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Fresh Inspirations! September Newsletter!
Volume III Issue VIII - September 2006

Dear Melissa,

The Art of No! This has been a tough lesson for me and betting it is for many of you. I just found my schedule completely overloaded and out of balance, too many trips for seminars and workshops while still prioritizing clients, taking care of the house (cleaning is minor but gardening is a 4-6 hour a week job, and I don’t want to give it up, I enjoy it.), looking after a sick kitty (unknown tummy trouble), contending with plumbers and a main line leak (that meant scarring my gorgeous lawn right across the center, breaching the new sprinkler system in three places, and cutting a phone line!), and working on new logos, websites and too much more. ENOUGH, I am staying put (cancelled a workshop I was scheduled to attend) and focusing on what is already on the burners . . . not allowing myself to add anything new until a few of these are finished cooking!



Viva Las Vegas! Just back from my first trip to the capitol of neon lights since I was a preteen. It was sensory overload on every front. Constant visual onslaught, music or slot machines ringing incessantly, every taste a person could imagine, and aromas from the thick cigarette smoke (this must be the last bastion in the US!) to perfumed lobbies and more, I was done in.

I could have done it without a conference to attend, but to be overloaded mentally, physically and every other way was exhausting. I’ll go back when I have far less to do and can enjoy it more.



Business of Design! Just returned from a conference with a host of other design professionals from around the country. Learned just a couple of interesting tidbits, reinforced what I already knew, and made some truly wonderful connections. So often being a business owner can feel isolating and this was a great way to reach out and touch, share practice information and swap stories.

Live well and beautifully,

MG



Fresh Inspirations:
Having it All - Yes, You Can!

I know most of us are taught that we can’t have it all, we are told life isn’t fair and it is about sacrifice and giving up to keep going. Not true – we can have it all, once we establish what our own personal “all” is. Most of us don’t really enjoy being pulled in multiple directions at once and multitasking ourselves into the ground, instead if we follow a simple rule of thumb about focus and choose only three major life priorities, at any given time, and let the rest go, it gets much easier.

In determining our priorities some of us may have some automatics in this like our families. This means that we create a life that allows time with our families and makes them significant as a priority. By the same token, you may say your career or one aspect of your career is also your priority and you may include a fun pursuit like sports or gardening as another priority.

The beauty in this approach is that we can change our priorities at any point in time because they are ours. We are not living our lives according to society or to someone else. This isn’t about what our spouse thinks, our parents want, our children demand, it is about who we want to be and what we want to accomplish. Breaking it down into bite-size pieces is critical for success. When we tackle it all, all at once, we get overwhelmed and burned out quickly.

Three main priorities is a simple fix for overloaded schedules and lives. In conjunction with this, consider adding a second layer of priorities on a more personal level, such as your health and fitness. Make it specific and doable. For example, committing to 30 minutes of exercise a day, the type and time is of your choice but you are honoring yourself, your health and this will facilitate your other priorities because you will feel better and have more energy. Perhaps another second tier priority that would support you would be some form of education once a week or month, whether it is a class you attend for fun, a seminar or workshop, or a daily teleclass to expand your skills and grow your mind. You will find that focusing more exclusively on fewer priorities you will achieve more in less time and feel better getting there.

And remember, just because you are asked to participate or attend doesn’t mean you have to unless it is inline with one of your priorities. So maybe the fund raiser will boost your visibility in your business and that is a priority, but perhaps the weekly networking event isn’t as effective for you and you could take back that time for better use. Also know that what works for someone else may not work as well for you, so tune in to your success opportunities. Where there is passion, there is reward!

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Simply include the text here, with a link to www.melissagalt.com. Online entrepreneur Melissa Galt, "The Lifestyle Diva," publishes “Design Destinations” a monthly ezine with 1500+ subscribers. If you're ready to jump-start your life, create comfortable and personal home interiors, define your personal image and style, plan exciting travel and adventure, develop the career of your dreams, and pursue your past times and passionate pursuits, learn how now at www.melissagalt.com


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In this issue...
  • Fresh Inspirations:
    Having it All - Yes, You Can!
  • Client Quotables
  • Life Philosophies

  • Featured Blogs

    Decadent Design Trends

    Detailed Decorating Tips for Free

    Terrific Travels by Design

    Brilliant Book Reviews

    Marvelous Movie Reviews

    Rave Restaurant Reviews

    Action and Adventures from My Life

     

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    Client Quotables

    “Melissa was extremely knowledgeable and informative – an enjoyable hour packed with innovative ideas!”

    - Chrissy Eneix, CTI





    Life Philosophies

    "Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone."
    - Pablo Picasso, Artist

    "You are what you repeatedly do. Excellence is not an event – it is a habit."
    - Aristotle, Philosopher

    "The only opinion about your dream that really counts is yours. The negative comments of others merely reflect their limitations – not yours."
    - Cynthia Kersey
    Author of Unstoppable







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