::Renaissance Women Summit GIVEAWAY:: LAUNCHES IN HOUSTON 2017

::Momma Disclosure:: This is a sponsored post. All content is my true and honest opinion.

You've made your New Year resolutions, established some goals and know what your vision is for 2017! Now it's time to start implementing, creating action and being informed on how you can make your goals a reality. How? Attend your first business summit of the year with other like minded women.

ENTER GIVEAWAY BELOW!!! {2 WOMEN WILL BE ABLE TO ATTEND FOR FREE!!}

What is the Renaissance Women Summit?

"A one-day Women's Summit in Houston, Texas where some of the most influential women leaders and influencers are coming together to share inspirational stories, offer practical, REAL education, relationships and offer priceless tools and advice for excelling in both your personal and professional life."

Why Attend?

"THE RENAISSANCE WOMAN EXPERIENCES HELP YOU CELEBRATE YOUR HEALTH AND BECOME YOUR STRONGEST, SEXIEST, MOST SOPHISTICATED SELF."

Date: Sunday January 15, 2017, Time: 10am-5pm
Where: JW Marriott Downtown Houston 806 Main St, Houston, TX 77002

                                                     ::REGISTER HERE::

Learn more about the creator ::here:: 

Amanda Russell is: 

"Female entrepreneur, marketing analyst, UCLA professor, and national brand strategist, Amanda Russell has chosen Houston, TX as the city to launch the Inaugural Renaissance Women Summit (http://interesting.agency/rw) on January 15, 2017 in partnership with The Bucaram PR Group (http://www.bucaramprg.com), Interesting Houston (http://interesting.agency), The JW Marriott Houston Downtown (http://www.jwmarriotthotelhouston.com), Houstonia Magazine (https://www.houstoniamag.com), and Revista Mujer (http://larevistamujer.com)."

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:: Top 10 Reasons to Create and Attend a Vision Board Workshop:: #theBitchyBusinessBriefs

Last week I was able to support and attend my good friend and strategic partners' Vision Board Workshop. Sharon of the Bitchy Business Briefs is a fellow momma of dos and an inspiration for Latina entrepreneurs everywhere. She is not only a sassy pants but is also very genuine and creative. Her ideas are so unique and she has definitely pulled me out of creative ruts time and time again. 

Her class was given at a local technical college. I asked Sharon the following questions and here are her replies-

-----

What did you personally gain from your vision Board workshop?

"Great question! There were quite a few important "nuggets" I personally gained from my Vison Board Workshop...I'll share two: In the beginning of the workshop, I noticed a young man who was not interested at all in what we were doing, in what I was sharing, etc.
As the class was getting busy with cutting out pictures of visuals to glue on their board, he made a remark that caught me by surprise: "This sucks, these magazines suck; there are no good pictures in any of them" ...when he said this, I was taken off guard...Being the quick sassy-pants thinker that I am, very nicely I told him, "You suck, there is the door you are invited to leave..you don't have to be here."  Well, of course, you could hear crickets in the room!  I asked the teacher to turn up Pandora Music! LOL!   

The funny thing is, he went on to create probably one of the most impressive Vision Boards in the class.  He showed me his board when he completed it. I told him,  "Wow! you did an amazing job...you are so creative" I was impressed. He had created a Vision Board that represented the way he sees life...very authentic. He then opened up to me and said he had a great time and he  was glad he stayed.

The second personal "nugget" I gained from my Vision Board Workshop was very personal... 

Halfway through the class, I had 2 students ask me if they could talk to me outside in the hallway. The first student was a young girl, who told me she wants to be a motivational speaker like me.  She said she saw me speak last year and then again today in the Vision Board Workshop.  It was then at that moment, I realized that what I shared with these students did make an impact. I don't think of myself as a motivational speaker.  I am just uber passionate about helping others realize their full potential and that they have bigger goals to reach.

The second student that asked me to talk with her outside of the classroom was an older lady (she recently returned to college to wrap up her degree) I was so touched when shared with me that after reading my book (last year) it gave her courage to make some serious changes and improvement in her life. She told her older son to move out and she told him that she was not responsible for raising his kids. She left a bad marriage. She returned to college and will be graduating in six months.

O.K. that blew me away...that was powerful and unexpected.  I am sincerely thankful for the gift I am able to share: my writing.  Sometimes we are so hard on ourselves and we don't think anyone is reading, watching, listenig...when really they are. 
Hooray for the positive power of social media LOL!"

What's your advice to young attendees?

"Don't wait years and years to realize what genuine gifts and talents you have. Learn how to monetize from your talents.  On our birthday, we were all born with "Factory-Installed" gift and talents. It seems that society grooms young people to be followers, not leaders.  

Be your own leader.  

Do not do things half-ass. 

Never worry what others will think of you if you are trying to improve your life or make a change. Learn how to "learn"...use OPT & OPE (other people's time; other people's experience) - read books, podcast, etc. to learn from others who have become bad-ass in their craft. Never stop learning and growing.   Give back...give back to your community whether it is your time volunteering, money, or information. Bring value whatever you do. 

My favorite quote I wrote: "First, be helpful. Bring value. Then, become necessary." 

​A​nd, what's a good quote about goals that you use​?​

"​Awww!  I have two great quotes (not just because I wrote them...LOL)  1.)  It is never too late to re-invent yourself, your life, or your career2.)  It is up to you to create the kind of success you want with the time you are given
​.​ (meaning that whatever you believe is "success" it is up to you to create it ...with the time you have.  We don't live forever- We're on borrowed time)​"

-----

I attended her class and have created vision boards in the past, today I share with you what I feel are some top reasons to participate in this type of event. 

A Vision Board allows you to:

1) Gain Perspective-  Sometimes those things we want the most are hard to describe or maybe hard to express, even to ourselves sometimes. You at times have to step outside your comfort zone to gain some perspective. When you are placed in a fun or different environment than you are used to, and then asked to put together a vision of your future, dreams, and goals your perspective changes. You are in a sense given a creative zone for thinking.

2) Create Direction- If you create a well-planned out vision for yourself and what you want for your future, you will have a better sense of direction. Most plans fail because we don't have a clear direction of what we want to do or the steps to take to reach our goals. We need to write it down, give ourselves those specific goals to reach, as well as a time frame in which to reach those goals. Being able to visualize what we want will help us create that direction needed to obtain results.

 3) Focus- When you think about your goals and write them down, it helps you create a focus on those ideas. It's not as easy to be distracted if you create that visual which you can refer to for guidance. The vision board will be the reference point for how far you have come and how much more you have to accomplish to reach those goals.

4) Visual to Reach your Goals- Sometimes making lists or writing those goals is not enough, we need a real "map" or "vision board" to help us see the whole picture. A clear and focused reminder of what we want to obtain in the year (or years) to come. I am very much a visual person. I like pictures and words that bring me good, happy thoughts. I know a lot of people are like this. Seeing a quick, pretty reference like a beautiful garden in front of a house can serve two purposes; give me a goal to create a garden at my home and/or inspire me with its beauty. 

5) Finding like-minded individuals- Usually people who attend these events have a specific mindset and might have the same thoughts as you. Things like; I know what I want but how do I express it. Or, I have gained all this education, now what? You will find someone who you can relate to or identify with. This helps keep you motivated and serves as a great source of support. 

6) Cause Glitter, Glue and Scissors are not just for toddlers- True, this type of event might make ou think you are going back in Kindergarten but honestly, it's relaxing. The idea of being able to create something for yourself helps create a positive sense of self and accomplishment. And, it's such a creative outlet. The best part is that like in Kinder no one can judge your glueing and cutting skills because there is no real format. You basically create a collage of those items that best create your visual goals.

7) Becuase they work- There are studying that show, that vision boards really do work and help you accomplish your goals. I have now created 3 vision boards and combined I have reached more than 50% of what I placed on them. My goals were clear and I had a combination of words and pictures that helped place my ideas into the universe where I could see them daily and work towards reaching them.

8) To get rid of your extra magazines- I mean we all have that pile of magazines that we need to get rid of, why not recycle them! Surely they have a few words, quotes or pictures that you can use. Plus with the beginning of the year comes cleaning out clutter and getting rid of the old. This is a great way to "dispose" of those magazines and make good use of them!

9) Collaboration-  As mentioned before the group is bound to be like-minded and clearing have a common purpose. To achieve new goals and create effective visual to help reach those goals. The workshops and group serve as a great way to think of new ideas, to help one another express our ideas and be supportive of our dreams. The collaborations begin to form and the networking is great. 

10)  Accountability-  With your visual in hand you will have the perfect accountability tool. You should place your vision board in a place where you can see it every day. Some people suggested the bathroom! Whatever works for you. You want to be able to review your goals and take those steps needed, daily to reach your goals. Some goals and steps might work and fall into place and you might discover that some goals are more long term than others. Either way, you have created your own measuring tool of what, when and how. 

Have you created your vision board for 2016? You should! 

::10 Positive things to do BEFORE 2016::

The new year will be upon us soon, in 30 days to be exact. I love happy, positive posts that will help us grow. 2015 has been a great one. I will have a reflection post soon. But, for now I wanted to kick off our "new year resolution" making, early. Only because being prepared and envisioning what I want in 2016 is highly important to me. I have been doing this for a couple of years now and things have just slowly become better and gone in a more desired direction. Now, I have said this before, my challenges and my vision boards don't go without troubles or difficulties. They just help me get through the tough moments easier. 

Let's begin. How can you make 2016 a better and bigger year?

::Envision your 2016::

Think about what it is you want, envision your happy place. Never a prefect world but always happy with your choices and the path you are walking. What you want for your family, your career, your education, your friendships, your business endeavors and partnerships. Anything goes. Sometimes the bigger the dream the better making those dreams come true though might take small steps and setting a series of smaller goals. These goals can be monthly goals. Just know that the process takes times. Be patient.

::Write it down::

Now that you have it all set-up in your mind and you have envisioned what 2016 will look like, write it down! One of my biggest mistakes is thinking, and thinking and not making notes or writing it down. Write your vision out as bullet points if you want just quick notes, or into your planner as monthly or weekly goals so that it's already planned. Writing down what you want is very important. It creates a visual, it's another reason why I believe in vision boards. This year I even created a digital vision board on Pinterest. Anything to help me SEE everything that I want, helps.

::Positive thoughts::

Set your mind in the right direction and the rest will follow. Trust. One of my biggest challenges year to year is my weight. Some months out of the year, I can't. I won't. My mind can't focus on being strict and disciplined, it wants to just be. I think months like these are necessary, it helps prepare our minds for what we really want. Once your mind is set on something it's hard to not go through with it, at least for me. I can be very stubborn. Mindset is everything!


::Positive Words::

Words, my friend Jotina has an excellent book about our language and how we should change this. I myself have done several #30daychallenege's now. And, 2016 will not be an exception, already planning it, so be ready January 1. The 30 day challenge is mainly on my Instagram. And, trust me, it has truly changed me. I used to work in a negative environment with co-workers whose words were always unhappy and complaint, once I changed my language to myself, that situation turned itself around. Our minds and our language are key to progressing. I have lived it.

::Start your weight loss plan now::

I started boot-camp about a month ago in November, knowing myself and that I love to eat. That and that the holidays were coming up and that I suck at self-control. I got a good deal on Texas Fit Chicks through Groupon and went with it. This week I started on my second month and have signed up for 3 new months. Oh this will be hell. But, it's okay because I am already loving the changes in my body and the 7 pound weight-loss in November. I have pictures on Instagram. Not like transformation stuff, but motivational ones that keep me going and reminded. If you start now, you won't have to think about it come January 1, you will already have a plan and your habits set. Just sayin'. As they say, the early bird gets the worm...and the abs! Ha.

:: Take a Break::

We all know that those who hustle succeed, but every once in a while a break is  much needed. You don't want to burn yourself out and lose sight of what you are really after. Taking a break and reorganizing your thoughts and plan is needed. I try to do this often, sometimes it's easier said than done. I am a person who constantly needs to be in motion, only because my anxiety and depression will kick in if I don't. And, that's even harder to shake. But, I do believe in resting and making sure that I remain focused so I take breaks, when needed. A break for everyone is different. For me, even not doing laundry, staying off social media after 5 p.m. or skipping a blog are all good breaks. I mentally shut down and enjoy things like; napping, T.V. and annoying my Husband and kids to do things!

::Take up a Hobby::

Helps fuel creativity and new ideas. I love making things, writing and exercising. All, I feel, are good hobbies to have. I have started doing some photography and learning more about taking quality pictures. I love making wreaths and headbands. Of course writing is my obvious passion. Exercising I feel is a good hobby, keeps you busy and in shape. I am not as good at that but I try. Always doing the things I really like, because they keep me motivated and inspire me so much. Plus they make me happy and keep me in a good mood which is valuable to good family life.

:: Eat Well::

Hardest thing ever for this Mexican Momma who loves ALL foods. But, I do notice that when I eat well I feel better. About myself, about my energy and overall mood. Good healthy food is so important in your 30's and beyond, I am sure. I ate so much crap food for so long that now, I would rather eat clean healthy homemade food. It's good every once in a while to have a good cheat meal, but for the long haul I prefer healthy eats. I get a lot my food prep ideas from Pinterest . Your body and mind will love you!


::Sleep::

This doesn't apply to me. Ha. I should sleep more. I can't sometimes. I have a problem shutting down and refuse to take medicine. Even after a long day waking up before 6 a.m. and exercising every night, I still can't seem to shut down. Insomnia is a real issue I have had for years, since High School. But, now well into my 30's, I know how important it is and when I can, I do sleep well. It's vital to my health. I can function just fine even on a couple of hours of sleep, my body is kind of used to it.

::Go Out::

Being social and meeting up with friends or meeting new people are vital, you never know who you will meet and how they will impact your life. Friends are a good reminder of how awesome your life's journey has been. Going out with your Hubby or significant other, is just as important to relax and have fun. I have the most fun on date-nights now with my Husband because they are so long overdue at times. They help remind me of how life brought us together and we always sit and think about the kids which is an amazing reminder of how much God has blessed us over the years.  This all helps re-inspire you on so many levels. So have a taco, drink a margarita, enjoy life and the rest will follow.

::A 2015 Vision::

I think people read my blog, view my social media updates and can maybe forget that I have an 8-5 PM job which is NOT social media, marketing or PR related. A job that I have honestly worked hard to obtain and maintain. I received a college degree in 2005 and 10 years later I still don't feel like I have put my degree to good use despite becoming an Assistant Supervisor in one of the busiest Elections departments in the US. I assisted in running the 3rd largest county in the U.S. That among many other accomplishments in my career. A career that for 3 months after each pregnancy and 7 months in 2012-2013 I put on hold for my family. A career that I don't mind having, that I enjoy and love. I love being a working Momma. Not many can tell you that. I love my family and children as well. With each job comes a new level of work life balance. But, that doesn't mean that I don't like to grow, learn and achieve. 

I rarely speak about my 8-5pm, and it took 4 years for me to discuss the fact that I worked for Harris County Elections here on my blog. This will probably be the only post "directly" about my job in hopefully the next 5 years or so. 

Here is why. In January after several conversation with a good friend, speaking to a life coach and spending the previous 30 days doing a 30 days of Affirmation challenge; I decided changes needed to be made. I also put some real thought into what I needed to do for my family and myself.  Making the decision that this year, I needed to step it up and move on to the next level. Because I know I can. 

I came into work on the first day of 2015, cleared my current cubicle and decided that I would not be in this desk past March or April. I gave myself a clear vision of leaving that cubicle and then worked hard every day towards making my job a good, happy, healthy environment for myself. I decided that if I had worked hard in the last year and a half I would work harder in the next 4 months. Working towards a new position, either in my current company or else where. 

While this blog and my writing and social media communities are my passion, I love having this "double-life". I might complain that I am exhausted and never have much time for anything but I truly thrive from it. 

So the vision. I pray. A lot. Daily. With my kids, alone, at my desk, in my car... I asked for God to provide a new place for me where I can further grow, explore new opportunities and have the same or better level of flexibility that I have now. Have I obtained that? Well. 3 weeks ago a co-worker announced her very unforeseen resignation. A week later, I thought, I should apply for this job. The same week I inquired with my boss, the other departments managers, and applied to HR. The following Monday I received an interview and yesterday. I started my new job. Same company, different department. I envisioned it in January. Set my mind to it and then did those things needed to succeed and of course seized the perfect opportunity. 

Why am I sharing this? The mindset, the intent, the prayers. Good karma. Wishing others well. Are all a very powerful thing. I don't know what you believe in. But, I  do know that having a good positive outlook as well as seeking spiritual peace and acceptance can take you places. I know that having goodwill for others and not being jealous of their journey but instead seeking your own, will have good "karma like" results. I am constantly motivated by female CEO's, by Women Bloggers, by good all-around hard working sacrificing people. I seek to be motivated and create my own journey and story. Will I one day be a CEO who blogs? Maybe or maybe not but either way; it's my vision and my journey that really matters.

Learning to create opportunities based on your given talents, your learned skills and the purpose that drives us all, is what my vision is about.

What do I see for 2015? Good things. Better surroundings. And, as Walter Mercado would say...mucho, mucho Amor!

Let me also add to my vision a Husband, who constantly pushes me to do more and be my best because he knows that as young Hispanic parents we can do so much more! That paired with two little children who are always so patient and look up to me and my every move. I am inspired and motivated most by them. My vision for 2015 is not complete yet. But, I feel satisfied so far.

One of my other goals was to seek more local blogging opportunities. Because of this new job, I will probably be forced to seek more local events and blogging opportunities. Something I feel is really needed for local Latino Bloggers.

::My Electronic Vision Board with lots of good resources:: 

         Follow Connie's board ::Vision Board 2015:: on Pinterest.  

Now you tell me, it's almost April... what is your 2015 vision and how will you create your positive happy space?

::Seeking::

A while back I set out to find my "Dream Job", because despite what my situation is right now, I have faith that, that place is still out there for me. I have since found a job. A good job but not what I would consider ideal. I know, "Connie you are so picky and such a non-conformist!" Trust me, I often question my own credibility. I wonder if maybe it's true, it's not the environment but rather me, who has a problem. I am never happy, so my Hubby says.

Is that such a bad thing? 

I mean really. I have been to so many places and  I have come so far. I went to college. Should be, 'nuff said. But, then there is this long history of paid work and un-paid work or volunteering. I mean. Not to toot my own horn, but I have been told that my background is pretty darn impressive and I am proud of that. As a Woman, as a Mexican-American and now as a Momma; I am very proud of my education and work history. Even my un-successful time as a Stay-at-Home-Momma which I failed at miserably, but that's a whole other post in itself. Trust me when I say..having kids and staying home is NOT for everyone! Yes, it has it's rewards and pro's but still not for everyone.

So, in further seeking I continue on this path of applications and interviews. And, I am once again haunted by that question; where do you see yourself in 5 years? Which to me translates into what is the perfect job for you and what do you want from this current situation? As one person put it; "I want to sit on a beach and drink margarita's all day and get paid for it." Really, come on, who the heck wouldn't but since that may or may not be an option for me I am not only determined but involved in seeking that perfect job, that perfect place. Just the other day I had an interview; when the manager spoke to me, she had LIFE.  When someone has true passion and purpose, you can see it in their face through their determination. You can hear it in their voice through their story and their words. And, they inspire you to do more and motivate you to live beyond what you think is normal.

That is where I see myself in 5 years. I challenge myself to live beyond what I think is normal and fitting not only for my well-being, financial stability and mental growth but what I deem a position that my children can look up to and be proud of. Yes, they should and can be proud of my accomplishments until now but I am not a conformist remember. I don't like to settle. I never have. If I did, I wouldn't have left a small town in 1999, to become a city girl. If I did I would have allowed the stereotypes and what-if's to consume me.  If I settled I wouldn't be a home-owner and drive an SUV. {Not bragging, just sayin'... Si se puede!} And, because I have SO much more to prove not to anyone but myself, I seek.

That passion. That job. And, that determination.

What about you? Are you a constant seeker? I know I am.

Early {New} Year Re-solutions

So, you thought 2013 would be a year full of purpose and direction and it's now October and you can't seem to see your vision. But, why? No worries, re-direct and get it together!

I had many goals for this year. Sure most of them were accomplished and maybe slightly re-directed but honestly sometimes life is life and it just doesn't happen how you envisioned. Well, now is the time to start re-thinking those goals for the rest of this year. And yes, why not for 2014? Trust me, it will be here before we know it. It’s never too early to start thinking about what we want for ourselves.

 

A few ways that I plan on getting back on track are:

Re-Organizing~ I started my year as a Stay@HomeMomma and then converted back to being a WorkingOutsidetheHomeMomma so my every day has been flipped up-side down! It's been almost 5 months and I think I am finally finding a new balance. Schedules are falling into place. Energy and motivation are finally back. My best advice; don't take on too much and when you feel overwhelmed take a break! 

Re-Thinking~ I am going to go over my goals and re-think, re-evaluate and re-prioritize what I feel needs to get done to accomplish some of my personal, home and blogging goals! I think everything in life can be re-written no need to get flustered or upset...just re-think it! 

Take Action~ After I am done re-organizing myself and re-thinking what and how things will be done the rest of the year and in 2014; then I will definitely be set to TAKE ACTION! I want to not only be a person of words but also of actions! 

What about you? Have you thought about way to start over and start planning for next year?!

{Falling Off} Means getting back up again....

I was all like "YEAH! I'm gonna do this. This year I will be a Supa'Star Blogger and Blog everyday and post pictures every day!" then I was all like, "Yeah, I got to go back to work, I am super tired and I don't feel like posting today!" {Whoa!}

Ha.

Well, I have fallen off the whole 365 project for about a week or so but you know what, that's OK, there is no "Blogger-Police" who is gonna give me a huge Blogger-Ticket cause I have not been keeping up with my non-New Years Resolution list. If there is, don't tell him/her where I am! Ha.

There is beauty in falling flat on your face. {Yes, I said it. I am Human. I make mistakes but...} There is no affect or effect on others, only on yourself. And, you know what? All you can do is get back up again...literally dust yourself off and keep moving FORWARD. How sad would it be if I fell on my face and remained there? I mean. How heartbreaking for me. How disappointing for me. The best thing about starting a new year is being a new you. I am done with dwelling on things, situations, people, me, everything. I am moving on.

Well after that little heart wrenching moment, let me continue with this.

I have some small projects this week...

• I have Photoshop on my computer. I have never used it. {Now is when you can yell at me.} I need to learn how to use it. So, this week I will do as much research as need be to learn. 

• I am also on a mission to print pictures, book a Birthday session for Cami's {First Birthday portraits!} and get pictures framed. We shall see how that goes! 

• There is LOTS brewing in the Gomez household most of which I wish to keep to myself... {No, I am not pregnant...but we have been talking about Numero TRES a lot, but future...future... } I am just constantly praying for God to give us guidance and peace in all of our choices in 2012. 

• I have started to plan Cami's first birthday and praying about Ricardo's graduation party. Fun. Fun. 

I have gotten, I think, a lot of my chest in the last few weeks..mostly in talking to my Sister and my Hubby.... this weekend with my Sis-in-Law and a few good friends.. I think peace will be achievable in 2012. Finally.

Well Happy Monday to All!

Resolutions~Smeshalution!

I didn't make any in 2011....
My life changed forever when I had my children. I learned that you take one day at a time. 
And we have. Therefore in 2012 I will be constantly reminded of that. 

I am not perfect. 

I must take it one day at a time. 

I will make it a goal to pray every day for my family and myself. 

I will make it a priority to continue to pray every night with my children and instill faith,values and morals as the days go by and they get older.

I will learn to move on. 

I will learn to let go and truly let God. {Easier said than done.}

I will attempt to write EVERY.SINGLE.DAY. for the sake of keeping clear records for my children and myself.

I will attempt to take MORE pictures of my kids, they will only be this little ONE time... 

I will strive EVERY.SINGLE.DAY to be a better Momma, Wife, Daughter, Sister, Friend and Family member.

I will make the best of every resource that I have and deal with my current situations one at a time. 

I will not get ahead of myself or make assumptions. 

I will further learn to tame my tongue. 

I will smile EVERY.SINGLE.DAY. God has given me the most AMAZING Blessings aside from Life itself! 

I will exercise and eat healthier, for myself and for my children. 

I will be happier as the days go by. {It's not a difficult task!}

I will pray more for others. 

I will love others more {my pride less}.

I will bring joy and pride to my home and my family! {My Hubby and Children deserve it!}

And, I will add to this list as the days, weeks and months go by! 



 HAPPY 2012 EVERYONE!! Let's make every day count because we count! 

Much Love from Momma of Dos!