How it feels...

Today, I am sharing an amazing feeling with you.  Have you ever wanted to do something so badly that you just had to find a way to make it happen?  I'm sure you have felt that way at one time or another.  Maybe you did it, or maybe you just pushed the feeling aside because it seemed like it would take too much time or too much brain power at an already maxed out time in your life.

If that's the case for you, I totally get it.  I've been wanting to write the "Great American Novel" for years.  When I was younger, I put together two different books that were never published.  They just didn't feel right to me.  Then for the past three years or so I started writing my GAN over and over.  At least four false starts!  Whew!  Talk about discouraging!  Talk about questioning myself and my thoughts and my abilities!!

Then one day I ran into Cara Alwill Leyba who created The Champagne Diet.  ALL of my friends know how amazing she is and how influential she has been in my personal growth!  I signed up for one of her group coaching workshops about a year ago thinking I would get myself moving towards my goal!  And boy did she ever help me with that!!  

One of the biggest things I learned at that time, a year ago, was that I hadn't considered all of my options.  I never got clear on what I wanted to write about.  It's all well and good to want to write something, but if you're not clear on what it should be, then you can't visualize the outcome!  

IMPORTANT LESSON:  If you can't envision the outcome, you just might not get an outcome!!  Well, at least it worked that way for me.

So a short time after Cara's workshop ended I was going over my notes, and something happened.  I had an epiphany.  A lightbulb over my head.  A champagne pop in my ear.  A kick in the Dolce & Gabanna pants. 

I'm making light of it, but it stopped me in my tracks and brought me back to something I had heard a million times, but had originally read it in a book at least 25 years ago.  In  a book written by someone involved with Avon.  Remember those Avon ladies?  I wish I could get my hands on that book again.  The quote was this:  "Do what you love and the money will follow."  Brilliant.  About 5 zillion people have said that over the years and I'm just listening now!

Well here is what happened to me that day.  I sat down with a glass of champagne - Cara's idea, but I'm all over it - and I asked myself this question:

What do I love to do?  Not what WOULD I love to do, but what do I enjoy most out of the things I do during my day/week/month.  What excites me?  What do I have fun with?

I know I've always been a task oriented person.  I enjoy structure, routine - designed by me, of course darling.  

Yes, I love my husband, my family, my job, my dog, blah, blah, blah.  But what do I get excited about doing - every time I do it?

Well, I love using my planner /datebook /Daytimer /Franklin /Filofax /DayRunner.  Yes, I've had them all.  Wh wh what?  Excited about a planner?  Yes, I have always loved my physical planner.  I've tried to keep it all virtual, on my iPad/iPhone over and over, but I always ALWAYS go back to a physical planner.  

I love journaling, planning, making lists, scheduling, getting my next planner ready.  To me, there is something cleansing and refreshing about the new, clean, unwritten-on planner.  It's a fresh start!  It's a do-over when you need one!  Its New Years Eve goal setting all over again!  It's a way to be sure you don't forget something and look stupid!  The biggest fear in my life!  

Yes, my friends, I was the geek in high school who carried a daytimer!  Yes, I'm proud to say that was me.  

When I was a kid, when mom and dad would say to my two younger brothers and myself, "Go pick out a toy."  I wouldn't go anywhere near the toys!  For this girl, it was paper and pens and sharpies and notebooks!  Toys? Boring!  Give this 8 year old girl something she could write on!!

I even have friends who I've tried to stay in touch with who feel the same way.  We are barely in each other's lives anymore, but when I start a new planner, I think of them and I'd bet money they think of me, too.  Am I right Deb Garber?  Elena Chandler? 

Are you seeing where I'm going with this?  When I write about it or talk about it, I get really excited!  Why was I wasting all that time on trying to write fiction??  I am so passionate and excited about creating this little piece of perfection called 365 Brilliant Days!

It is the PERFECT planner for someone who wants to pull it all together, get in control, get clarity, and MAKE THINGS HAPPEN in her life!  And it's your journal! Your task lists!  Your shopping lists!  All in one place!!

Woo hoo!!  There are not enough exclamation marks in the world to describe how excited I am about this project!!!

So.  Back to that amazing feeling I wanted to share with you a hundred sentences ago....

Yesterday, I submitted my final copy to the publisher for their FINAL review.  Now, they are sending me a proof for MY final review.  And it will be available to purchase on Amazon within the next few days!  AAAAaaaaaa!!!  Can you BELIEVE it????

I actually accomplished a goal that I've had for many, many years.  It took me a while to get clear on what I wanted this to look like.  I am so excited about this planner because I can't wait to start using it myself!!!  It is absolutely perfect!!!  You are going to love it!!

In the end, I have to give tons of credit to Cara.  Remember I said I did her workshop about a year ago.  Well, I signed up for that same course again - this time with an idea in mind!  I was excited about all the encouragement I got from the workshop but what really struck me was that I was getting more and more passionate as the workshop progressed!

I would highly recommend that everyone get involved with Cara and get into one on her workshops.  If you have an idea or even if you don't yet.  You'll get one!!

There is no better feeling than knowing I accomplished this goal and created something that is going to be of value to so many women everywhere!!

Well, actually,....it's gonna feel even better when I finally get that book into my little hands!!!  And into your little hands!!

So here's to Cara!  And here's to you!  Get your idea together.  Life is short.  Do it now!  Join me for a celebratory glass or two of champagne??

With passion and brilliant love, 

Donna

How to be Productive When You Have the Flu.

Nice!  I have been looking forward to this super-valuable-when-you-work-in-retail three day weekend for weeks!  The plan was to clean up the house, rest, color my hair, rest, watch movies, do some writing, rest, rest and put up the Christmas decorations, then rest.

Things didn't go exactly as planned.  As soon as I walked in the door, on my last day of work, I felt myself get hit in the head with a splitting headache.  And it all went down hill from there.  Weak, achy, snotty, sneezy, hot, cold, ears hurting, coughing.  Ugh.  How am I going to get anything done like this?

Here's how!!!  I just told everyone they would have to fend for themselves for the weekend.  I'm very lucky, because everyone is ok with that!  I planted myself in front of my computer, in my warmest pajamas, which, 2 days later I am still wearing.  I know....gross.  But I'm sick.  Give me a break.  

And I started to work on the 365 Brilliant Days Planner.  And I worked, and worked, and wrote and wrote.  I had a mild, NyQuil induced coma, and then worked some more.

There was about an hour when I felt like I had a bit of energy so I quickly put up the Christmas Tree for the girls to decorate.  It's pretty awesome, even with no decorations, because it has pine cones and random other leaves on it.  Anyway, BIG mistake.  As soon as it was up, I had to lay down for an hour or so.  Sent my poor husband to the store for miscellaneous bottles of cold and flu medication.  And apples.  Gotta have those.  

So.  If you've made it this far in my little pity party, you may be asking where, exactly is the productivity in all of this?  

Well here it comes:  Drum roll, please............365 Brilliant Days is done!  And has been sent off for final editing!!  If all goes well, it will be available to purchase on Amazon in about a week!  Maybe sooner!!

I am sick as a dog, and super excited all at the same time.  So I'm giddy and achy.  Cheering and whining.  Dancing - in my head - and snotty-nosed.  High fiveing and passing out.  It's an interesting dichotomy of feelings.  But the bottom line is, I'm proud as shit!!  

It's amazing what you can accomplish when you are laser focused.  And once you begin using  your own 365 planner, you will be able to laser focus yourself on what you want to accomplish, as well.  Hopefully, without the mini- coma!

I am so proud of this planner because I know it's going to empower you to get done what is most important to you!!!

Stay tuned for the launch!  It's coming soon!!

Passionately and slightly NyQuil buzzed,

Donna

Oh!!!!!

P.S.  What an amazing Holiday gift this planner is going to be!!  How awesome you will be, giving the gift of time, organization, and clarity!!!  You rock star, you!

And now.....ZZZZZZzzzzzzz.............. back to my coma.

A Little Monday Funday! HELP!!!

Before I move on to the SUPER-FUN goal setting for YOU.....  Let me share something with you.

The following is my second first draft of the wording on the back of my book:

"365 Brilliant Days."

I would love for you to read it an comment on what you think of it.  And please be honest.  I am looking for some constructive feedback on what this should look like.  I hope everyone will leave a comment for me!

Subtitle:  Creating a brilliant life.  One day at a time.

Here's the wording:

Allow me to introduce you to your most passionate, organized self!

If you are ready to claim your power and celebrate your brilliance, you are in the right place!  Within the pages of the newly designed 365 Brilliant Days planner, I will give you everything you need to create and manage all of the fabulous areas of your life.  From Personal to Business to Family to Dreams and Goals, you now have the PERFECT place to express yourself, journal, record, and beautifully create you newly fabulous and BRILLIANT life!

Go get yourself a pretty pen!  This book has been designed just for you!  Congratulations on making a BEAUTIFUL DECISION!

With Passion and Brilliant Love,

Donna