#best09 challenge...

Still playing Gwen Bell's The Best of 2009 Blog Challenge. Today's topic...something that really made you grow this year. That made you go to your edge and then some. What made it the best challenge of the year for you?

A real challenge of mine over the year, was a colleague of mine whom I admire, time after time leaving me feeling horrible. So recently I made a very conscious decision to stay away, you know, like I was allergic. No hard feelings - do people hate nuts, dairy, wheat, etc. just because they can't eat them?? - not out of fear, just allergic. And just like that I was protected from the elements - like I was wearing Wonder Woman bracelets - like a superhero!

The thing that made it the best challenge of the year was that I took it. I didn't hide from it or be overwhelmed by it. I worked out a solution, and went with it. I looked out for myself, in such a healthy and mature way. There is only good to come of this.

respect. reclaim. revitalize. your space. - Visual Girl

#best09 article...

I thought at first that I needed to begin this post (Day 3 of The Best of 2009 Blog Challenge) with a disclaimer that it really has nothing to do with organizing, but then I realized that it has everything to do with the RESPECT aspect of my business.

The article that blew me away this year, and that couldn't have come at a better time was this one from mcpactions: http://mcpactions.com/blog/2009/10/12/how-should-i-price-my-photography-words-of-advice-from-jodie-otte/.

The article is a very in-your-face & very detailed guide (no matter what your business is, really) on how to price products & services. It really lays it all out there on what your time is worth, and in the end, is it all worth it? The article specifically breaks it down for the Moms out there, equating time spent (working) to time lost (with family). It forces you to place values on what you do. All of it. And prioritize. If big effort and little reward is your life, it is time to rethink things. If your house and home are falling apart because you work, but you are barely, if at all, paying the bills - including daycare - can you justify it?

This article prompts a really good reality check. I've shared this with my entrepreneurial ladies from my Smart Cookies (http://www.smartcookies.com/) inspired Money Group. It is eye-opening. Just try it.

respect. reclaim. revitalize. your space.

Visual Girl

#best09 restaurant moment...

Wow! Well I blew Gwen Bell's The Best of 2009 Blog Challenge on day 2!! I guess because I already blogged about my best restaurant moment already, or maybe because this is a good opportunity to prove that no matter what your goals are, don't give up on them just because you blow it one day.

So...here is my original blog titled "grateful" http://visualgirlhometherapy.blogspot.com/2009/07/grateful.html For the record, I had the same meal with a good friend of mine later in the month - we both did, actually. We originally went to another local restaurant, but they were having a private function - go figure. Same deliciousness & equally good company. Thanks S. and Yay!! Arm's Reach!

Now off to today's blog topic!

respect. reclaim. revitalize. your space.
Visual Girl

#best09 trip...

Not a trip in the traditional sense, but somewhere in my "back yard"... I love my trips to Room 6. www.room6.com And how fitting, as I discovered Gwen Bell (who is hosting this whole Best of 2009 Challenge in the first place) on Room 6's twitter. I constantly lose myself (in a good way) in all the glorious eye candy Megan fills her store with. Function meets beauty? This store's got it. Local designers? Iconic stuff? Got it. Friendly service? You guessed it! The boutique's tagline is "special things for nice people", so right off, I am filled with niceness, simply because I am there!

respect. reclaim. revitalize. your space. - Visual Girl

the best of '09...Gwen Bell style...

I just discovered this powerhouse of a woman late last night, and how fitting that she has begun the Best Of ‘09 Blog Challenge well, today! I am always asking my clients to think and behave out of their comfort zone, and so I am off to "walk the talk" so to speak. I really tend to downplay the whole New Year thing - seriously, I only buy the school year day planners - so this will really be a challenge for me. So without much toe-testing of the water, off I jump!

If you would like to join me, check out http://www.gwenbell.com/blog/2009/11/30/the-best-of-2009-blog-challenge.html

respect. reclaim. revitalize. your space. - Visual Girl