He was part of the group on my tour bus and dependent on his wheelchair. I could already see the limits he would be facing while attempting to get around the amusement park his group was visiting.

While the rest of his group went off to explore the park, not wanting to be a hindrance, he was trying to make the best of it and get around on his own.

As I watched him rolling around, my thoughts drifted back to my own time spent in a wheelchair remembering the handicap stall that wasn't functional, the parking space that seemed so far away from my destination, the counter that was too high, rolling along the street watching for the slightest incline that had the potential to be my undoing, the item I needed that was located out of my reach, and even opening a closed door could be such a source of frustration as I would experience someone stand there watching me struggle rather than ask me if I could use a little help. There were some days that it just didn't seem worth the effort, but to give up was not in my nature and I could see the same determination in him!

I saw the opportunity to "pay it forward" and asked if I could push him around the park. As he hesitantly agreed, I soon put his mind at ease when he saw that I was experienced in maneuvering the chair around the crowds of people. As I spent time with him over the next few days, and he shared his story about what put him in the chair I couldn't help but think that so many people go through life every single day without truly giving thanks for what they have.  The simple act of being able to walk around on our own two feet is such a blessing.

Often times we are so caught up in what needs to be done before the day, week or month is through that we don't stop to truly live in the present.  What would happen if you took one hour every day to be truly present and SEE what is going on right in front of your nose?  Would you then be able to see the door that you could hold open for someone, a struggle that someone close to you is experiencing that you have been too busy to notice, or even the flowers that you walk past every day with hardly a second glance? 

I am so thankful for the opportunity I had to push him around for a few days and the reminder of how thankful I am and why I Love My Life!  Making time to live in the present could be the start of a new awareness in your life. Because, after all, Life Is All About Choices!

By Nancy Mueller

If life is all about CHOICES, why do some people choose to make poor choices, even when they know better?

I asked this question to my 14-year old grandson like this, "If you know that soda is bad for you, why would you CHOOSE to drink it anyway?"  His answer, "Because sometimes I get a craving for it, and I just want to drink it."

At 14 years of age, I can understand this logic.  But what about at age 24, 34, 44, etc? 

My friend is a nutritionist and she told me that it always amazes her at how people are resistant to change.  She simply shakes her head because the problem is; FOOD is linked to our emotions.  Most people who hear her speak, truly need her help.  And yet, they resist what she teaches about nutrition.

I suggested to her that to be truly successful at what she does, she will need to find the people that find value in what she does and how it will add value to their life.

If most people are truly resistant to change, then, isn't it a choice that keep us from our goals?

The bottom line is this, we can educate people as to WHY they should take better care of their health, invest in themselves to be more successful (find a mentor, read more books, go back to school, etc.), but until they understand the value of these opportunities, our words will fall on deaf ears.

But the truth of the matter is, whatever choices you make today, will affect you tomorrow, next week, next year and 5 years from now.  The food choices you make will affect your health, the exercise choices you make will effect your body, the financial choices you make will affect your wealth, and so on.

So, keeping this in mind, what CHOICES are you making today to improve your health, value your "self" and increase your wealth?  OR, what CHOICES are you making today that will put your health at risk, decrease the value you place on your "self" or even keep you from earning the wealth you need to create the lifestyle of your dreams?

Remember; Life Is All About Choices!

By,
Nancy Mueller
New Beginnings With Nancy

We used to be told to "FAKE IT 'TIL YOU MAKE IT" but what about the women who are trying desperately to "Make It" and walking around with a smile on the outside and pain on the inside?

I love the quote by Jerry Lewis that said, "People can compliment you on your new shoes, but only you know how much they hurt your feet."  There may be a woman within your circle of influence who is desperately trying to keep up with the rigors of building her business but, in reality, she is barely holding on.

She is walking around, smiling and talking about the wonderful possibilities that lie ahead, only to cry herself to sleep at night because she isn't sure how she is going to make her next car or mortgage payment.

There are so many women within our own circle of networking that may be barely holding on.  She attends all of the meetings with a smile on her face, and yet no one knows that she had to scrounge through her couch cushions and car to scrape up enough money to attend.

If you are part of a networking group and are truly committed to the success of your sister member, how can you create a paradigm shift in the way you network? 

• How real are those referrals you have been giving to other members?

• How do you network? Do you think about how you can be of service to others or are you always pushing your product or service?
• When you show up, are you present or is your mind somewhere else?
• Are you truly listening to each person as they give their introduction or are you texting or otherwise preoccupied?
• Do you give valuable feedback to your sister member regarding how she might offer a more exciting presentation?
• Is your feedback honest or do you just tell her what you think she wants to hear?
• When you collect business cards, do you REALLY take the time to look at each person's website and get familiar with what she does?
• Are you there to network or are you more interested in the food that is being served?

Ladies, let's stop and think about how we can be of service to our sister members.  After all, we never truly know what someone else may be facing in their lives and yet one random act of compassion could create a spark of hope in her life.

By,
Nancy Mueller
Published Author, Motivational Speaker, Speaking & Life Coach for Women

After my marriage of 34 years ended, I suddenly found myself dating! 

Dating, hmmmm, what did I know about dating?  Not much, so I started asking around and well, just about everyone suggested internet dating; so, I gave it a try.

When talking about dating on the internet, one topic that intrigued me was the conversations that women had over their FEARS of dating through the internet.


Internet Dating does not have to include FEAR!!!

Here are a couple of suggestions that I recommend if you are dating through the internet:

• When you decide to meet, meet at a place of YOUR choosing.  Arrive early, know the layout, and be prepared to pay your own way
• Before you meet your date, make sure you have picture and contact information in your phone.  Forward that contact to at least 2 of your friends (friends that you can count on) and let them know where you will be and what time you are leaving.
• When you meet your date, let him know that you have sent his information to your friends, and will be periodically checking in with them.  Every man has a mother, sister, daughter, or female friend that he cares about and he should understand you are simply being cautious.  If he gets upset, smile and leave.  You probably don't want to invest any more time with someone like that anyway!
• Always be prepared to pay your own way; if you are just getting to know each other, never assume that he is going to pay for you.  Men are sick and tired of women looking for a free meal (and rightfully so!)
• When you are ready to start dating, create a list of what you are looking for in a partner.  After your list is complete, make sure you know which items you will or will not be willing to overlook.  For instance, if your list says you are looking for a tall blonde guy and you find a handsome brunette, you may want to update your list.  On the other hand, if your list says you do not want a smoker, why would you go on a 2nd date with him if he smokes?
• The bottom line is this, Fear Less, Have Fun, and use some common sense.

Of course, this is just my opinion!  You see, I do believe in Happy Endings (or beginnings!!!) because I met my husband on the internet!  If you are still having challenges, you may want to look up Jonathon Aslay.  I am sure he can take your dating to the next level!

By Nancy Mueller

First, you have to plant the tree
First, you have find a group

Second, you weed and fertilize
Second, you will want to put in exactly what you want to get out of it

Third, it lays dormant for awhile
Third, you are not sure if this is the right group for you

Fourth, you start to see buds
Fourth, you start to feel as though you are connecting with other members

Fifth, the buds bloom into beautiful roses
Fifth, as you work together, everyone in the group prospers

Nothing happens overnight.  Just as one bloom does not a tree make, one person does not a group make


TEAM = Together Everyone Achieves More ~There is no "I" in the word TEAM. 

When you start networking with the attitude of "what can I do for you" instead of "please buy my product or service" the energy of the group will shift and your group will be as successful as the rose bush ~ one rose is beautiful, a bush FULL of roses is a sight to behold!

By
Nancy Mueller

I was talking with someone I met at a networking event yesterday and as she was giving me a list of reasons about why she was having challenges with her business. As she stood there complaining, I was reminded of an event from my childhood. 

I was 9 years old, standing in the kitchen watching my mother prepare dinner.  As she was stirring something on the stove, my father came home, walked up behind her, put his arms around her waist, and handed her a little black velvet box.

As I watched my mother open the box with wide-eyed amazement, wondering what treasure might lie inside this little black box, I could hardly contain myself.  Presents weren't a common thing in our home and through childhood dreams of fairy tales and wonder, I watched her slowly open the box. 

As she opened the lid, there, nestled inside the velvet case was a beautiful purplish stone surrounded by diamonds.  I thought that surely this would put a smile on my mothers face.  I waited for my mother to turn around and return my father's embrace, just like in the movies.  Instead of hugs, my mother snapped the box closed and ran, crying, from the room.

It wasn't until many years later that I understood my mother's reaction to the ring.  You see, my father was famous for quitting every job he ever had and since he had just quit his most current job, my parents could not even afford to feed my brothers and sister and I; let alone buy a shiny opal ring surrounded by diamonds.

I am often reminded of this event when I hear someone say they can not afford to invest in themselves.  People can't seem to find the money to buy a self-help book, take a class, hire a coach, go to counseling, go back to school (the list is endless) but they will find a way to pay for cable, buy that new video game, the latest gadget, or the last round during happy hour.

Life truly is all about choices!  The choices you make today can bring you closer to success or move you farther away from success.  You can choose to turn off the TV and read a book.  You can also choose to watch the TV to find out who won the dance contest or got a date with the bachelor.  One choice will bring you closer to success and one will prolong your success.  Shopping and presents are fine for awhile, but success will give you a permanent smile!

Just a thought!
By
Nancy Mueller

That 20 minute ride to work that just took you 45 minutes may have gotten you thinking about how nice it would be to work from home!

That co-worker who has been rude one too many times may be making you think about how much more positive your life would be if you never crossed paths again.

That last round of job eliminations that has you now doing the work of 4 employees WITHOUT a pay raise may be putting a strain on your personal life.

Not having had a pay raise in the last few years is making you ask, "should I look for something else, or stay here where at least I know how much money I will receive every week".

Since your last birthday you have been evaluating why you are working to create someone else's dream while putting yours on hold has got you frustrated.

Having to miss yet another special event at your child's school because your boss would not let you leave the office has you feeling like you are missing out on the milestones in your child's life!

Many women have been dealing with these conflicting emotions and made the decision to leave the corporate world behind to become their own boss but how do you know if you are ready to make that dream a reality?

If you are one of the thousands of women who are self-employed or thinking about being self-employed it is important to know what you are truly passionate about so that with all of the ups and downs of being self employed, you will be working at something you love!

KNOW YOUR STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES: If you know nothing about networking, building your website, social media or even how your tax bracket will change; these are areas that you will want to investigate before you make the leap to self-employment.

MAKE SURE YOU KNOW THE NUMBERS: what is the absolute minimum you can afford to live on while you are creating success within your company?

CREATE YOUR MISSION STATEMENT: It is important that you create and KNOW your Mission Statement.  Your Mission Statement is comparable to the destination you have in mind when you drive your car.  Without it, you will be wandering aimlessly while you try to figure out where you are going and how you are going to get there.

INVEST IN YOURSELF: Remember, YOU are your business!  With that simple statement in mind, how are you investing in YOU?  Your vision, values, image and how you make a "first impression" are important to your success.

Remember: whether you think you can, or think you can't... you are probably right. ~ Henry Ford

By
Nancy Mueller

As I was enjoying a working lunch, at my favorite restaurant in Seal Beach, and enjoying the beautiful view of the ocean, I overheard my server as he stopped at the next table to greet the group that just sat down.

Here was the conversation: “Hi ladies how are you today?”  They replied, “Great, how about you?”  He said, “I would be better if I were out there (pointing to the beach).”  The girls smiled and he took their order.

When he returned to refill my iced tea, I said, “May I make a suggestion?”  He smiled and said, “Sure!”  I then said, “How many people do you think there are that work in a cubicle every day who would give anything to have this view that you have here at work?”  He stopped and looked at me and said, “Yes, but I want to be out there.”  To which I replied, “If you have to work, I can’t think of any place with a nicer view.  The next time you walk up to a table to wait on customers, consider saying, welcome to my office, how do you like the view?”  He stared into my eyes and his whole face lit up when he said, “I see what you mean.  It is all in my attitude!”

As he walked up to the next table, I heard him say, “Welcome to my office, how do you like the view?”  I think I actually heard him whistling as he walked away towards the kitchen!

You have the ability to change your whole world with a slight change in your perception.

By Nancy Mueller

Has this ever happened to you: you shared your business or product with someone, they seemed very interested, they requested you send them information, and then you never heard back from them?

Now what?  Do you call them? Do you send them another email?  You don't want them to feel like you are stalking them, but they seemed so interested when you spoke with them that you really want to follow up.

I was recently contacted by someone wanting me to purchase ad space in his magazine.  I asked him to email the information to me and I would take a look at what he was selling.  After looking it over, I determined that his services were not in alignment with my business and I replied to his email, thanking him for contacting me, but what he was offering would not work with my business.

Responding to his email was important to me because I would want him to do the same for me.  Being impeccable with your word is one of the many values a person has to offer, whether it is with a client, a friend or family member.

Once I realized that I was not interested in his services, I could have left this man hanging.  However, to me, being integral with my word, means that after I looked at what he was offering, I should have the courtesy to reply to his email so as not to leave him hanging.

Here is the take-away from this experience... are you ready... are you paying attention?  He never responded to me to thank me for getting back to him and not leaving him hanging. Even though what he was offering me did not work for me, perhaps I know someone who could use his product! Of course, now that I have experienced his lack of business integrity, I would not want to refer his services to anyone.

Often times, just the slightest adjustment to the way we handle customers (or potential customers!!) can improve all aspects of our business.

By Nancy Mueller

Have you ever felt that it was a mistake to:

• start your own business

• get married

• not get married

• become a mother

• not become a mother

• use the TV as a babysitter

• quit your job

• tell a lie

• eat that tempting dessert

• get a divorce

• not get a divorce

• skip your workout

• ask for a promotion

• (FEEL FREE to insert YOUR mistake here)

Webster defines a mistake as: An error in action, calculation, opinion, or judgment caused by poor reasoning, carelessness, insufficient knowledge, etc.

The part that I LOVE about that definition is “insufficient knowledge” because you don’t know, what you don’t know!  If you made a decision based on knowledge that you didn’t have, how can you possibly have made a different choice? You took a chance, based on the knowledge you had, and realized later that your choice was a mistake.

Understanding that there is a “positive” for every “negative” it is about time that we look at the mistakes in our life as one big POSITIVE!!!

A mistake is a great opportunity to learn a better way. In the movies, when they are shooting a scene they may have to film it numerous times before they get it right. I am sure you have seen information on your favorite movie when they say “Action, take one.” Then they shoot it again and say “Action, take two.” I like to call this a MIS-take. This gives it a positive spin because it allows you the opportunity for a re-take, over and over until you get it the way you want it! If you take a picture and you aren’t happy with the results, you can take it again until you get the look you want! 

The only “negative” is deciding not to try, so get out there and give yourself permission to make mistakes; because mistakes are the way we learn!

By Nancy Mueller