Why Run Your Own Business? Are You Ready to Go for It!?

Right now I am sitting in a coffeehouse working. It's one of my favorite perks of running my own business. Freedom to be. Today's post is mainly for you reading who has a fire in their belly. It isn't to make everyone quit a job. You may be very happy at your work place and have no desire to run a small business. So this writing is for a particular group of people desiring freedom by working their passions and taking a chance to follow that fire inside.

I feel in the past 6 years, working for myself has been a major learning experience, not only on the how to's of running a business, but also in trusting in myself and expressing my gifts. Working for myself has not been a joy ride all around. I have lost a business that I loved very much, I have had stresses and have gone through many trials and errors to see what will work. I am indeed still learning. Budgeting time, completing projects, self motivation are some of the challenges that come along with working for yourself. But I wouldn't want to trade this new life in exchange to go back to a 40 hr. a week job in a corporation. It is sort of like when you had dial-up connection and then got the fast and better cable modem or when you get your first Apple computer and had been a Windows user. You just can't go back to the old ways because it feels too good on what you got now.

Now, I do work part time as a waitress in a cafe and am grateful for the cash and the people I meet. Then during the week I run my small businesses. Selling on Amazon is a main drive of mine. On top of this I discovered the gift of making candles and with Full Circle Soy Candles, I can give back to help the community as well. I create what I want in life. I work many hours on both of these businesses and am truly enjoying the process. It does take hours of enjoyable work and is by no means a get quick rich scheme. You will see as you get established, the freedoms of life are born. You can go during the day to a coffeehouse, blog, study on the days you need, work early am to spend more time with kids when they get home from school. Experience new ways to interact with others, and accomplish dreams you never thought possible. It becomes this flexible and enjoyable atmosphere to be in.

By living in a small community I am witnessing many who make a living selling crafts, running small businesses, and more. I see a flourishing farmers market which I adore and support fully. You see this model in the small communities as there is not much work for people. Therefore, gifts and small businesses are born and folks help folks.

I feel I have gained a fortune working for myself. I still have a long way to go but am willing to keep learning and growing and being free. I am excited to see what unfolds in my candle business. It is a truly exciting time!

I write this to you who might have fear to do this. Someone might say "You Can't" or "Stop your silly dreaming" or "You can't live without the system you are supposed to follow". I want you to know it is possible. You don't have to be drastic about and quit your current situation. Take little steps towards your freedom and trust in your gifts. Freedom is around the corner. Believe in yourself and don't give up. It is all possible and the path will unfold when you begin to trust it!!

A Candle-Maker is Born!

If anyone told me that in the future I would be making candles, I would have laughed a big "HA HA" at them, for I am not an incredibly crafty driven woman. I have loved choreographing and teaching dance for many years and sometimes you begin to think you really are good at only one thing. When I moved to a place I truly love, I began to experience the creative process in all ways, not just one.

The story is quite simple. We were having very hard times financially after our big move to TN. I truly believe in finding ways to make money, enjoying that work, and giving back. Since being new to an area no one knew me as a dance teacher yet, so I knew this would take time. And to be honest, I really felt I wanted to do new things in my new place I loved so much. As I spent more and more time out in nature and begin to feel differently inside, finding more and more joy, I literally woke up one morning envisioning a circle accompanied by the thought "make candles". I remember looking out my window to the lake behind our home and saying "what?" and wondering if I was loosing it. But I kept feeling the feelings. Make candles.

So I went to the library and began looking up candle making and also using the internet. Being a person who believes in protecting the environment and sharing good health I wanted to make soy candles, not paraffin filled. I searched and searched and then one day just tried it and made some candles and it was so much fun for me. Meditative and well, I really liked it and could envision a small business for myself. I was so grateful for where I was living, Full Circle is the name that grew in my heart. I would also have the opportunity to give back by donating some of my sales to environmental and other organizations that I believe in. It is about receiving and giving. A circle.

So now I have a full blown candle business that is my door opener to many things. I have a feeling Full Circle will bring more on my path. More plans are on the way with this sweet little circle that has started, so you all wait and see. What is your dream? What gifts have you not yet discovered in yourself? What ways can you create to make a perfect living for yourself? I know you can find it too!

What is your label? Rants from a Radical Leftist - I guess this is what I would be called according to Fox and CNN news

As you may or may not know about me, I am a Democracy Now News watcher. One reason I watch this news source is that it is Fair and Balanced (sorry for stealing that Fox News). I was curious when Obama took over if I was just watching a "leftist" view news source (as it can be called) and they would praise President Obama and the administration. It seems they were not. Journalism at its best, covering the truth in what is going on, no matter who is in office. They report on Human Rights, Environmental Issues, Corporate and Government Corruption on both sides, and much world news that we never see on our television sets. They also interview many heroes, people out there really making a difference. This pours positive outlooks to all who watch and the possibilities to make a difference seem very capable.

Democracy Now News is a commercial and corporate free show. You will not be bombarded with Lipitor ads or the latest chemically-filled toasty cereal that is "supposedly" good for you. This news is ran by the people, for the people from Pacifica Radio. Amy Goodman is the main head anchor on the show and well, she is one of my heroes. I had the pleasure of hearing her speak in Florida and she is an amazing communicator, as well as a humble, peaceful quiet woman when away from the microphone. Although she is of a small build, her presence is huge and her passion for journalism and truth is eye opening to all. Each morning, I grab my cup of java and join Amy and the gang. The show is simple, a little music introduction and then we are graced with Amy, wearing very little makeup accompanied by her naturally grey hair. She will begin to inform us of what is going on in the world. I adore her simplicity as an anchor. She is not made up as a cute doll and or ridiculously expressive in her reporting. She just is there to tell me the news through educated journalism. This is her truth. She has changed how I look at news, where and who is it coming from, and how the proper telling of information is imperative in our world today.

Lately, Democracy Now has been covering the Wall Street protests quite well and I have been inspired by what is going on and it teaches me in standing up against corporate and bank corruption in my own way. I see the police arresting the protestors and I think of past demonstrations in our country that made a difference and moved us out of oppression of many sorts. Nowadays, I tend to believe that we are the slaves of the corporate leaders (the corrupt ones of course) that use and abuse us daily and get away with murder. I am not against making money or anything of the sort.  I am, however, for living simplicity and am against profiting if it hurts people in our nation or abroad and or causing environmental destruction. I know I must make the changes and educate myself to have little participation in the process of corporate rule. It is challenging as so much is controlled by big money that harms others or the environment, such as Big Oil and Corn Industry. I mean I do have to drive my car. But, little by little I am trying to find solutions within my community and to keep educating myself on better ways to do things so lesson my participation in the corporate power that rules. This is why I seek out news from sources such as Democracy Now, who indeed educates the public in great ways through honest, corporate-free journalism.

But a question came to me yesterday. M y husband asked, "I wonder if any other news source is covering Occupy Wallstreet like Democracy Now?" and it got me thinking again. Am I brainwashed watching only Democracy Now all the time? Is it sufficient? So today I took a chance and went back to my old news sources to see what is going on. What can I learn? How can I grow from what they report? I never watch the TV news anymore and wondered, just for a moment, maybe I should.

CNN online was first. I just couldn't find anything on the front news page about the Wall Street demonstrations. Boy, there was tons of stuff on Amanda Knox. Oh, but I did find  a video about the protest. It is a video reporting the foolishness of the crowds, concentrating mostly on the characters in the crowd. They show an incompetent folk,dancing, wearing cooky outfits, expressing that they are "hippy" crowd. My heart sank. The vidoe just pointed fingers and showed how ridulous it all was. I learned nothing of any substance from this reporting. Unless I believe in what they are showing me But who owns CNN? Who wants to create this illusion so we stay away? Is it truth to believe in? It all is so confusing and easy to believe I am just one of the cooky people. I guess I have to keep searching.

So I went to Fox News. Surely they would have it. Fair and Balanced is what I am told. That it is truth. They would surely educate me. I found nothing on the front page (again Amanda Knox all over the place) but I did find an article in the US section. It is entitled "Occupy Wall Street--More than Just Looney Protest Movement From the Left". What a poetic title to this article, don't you think?  Is this not journalism at its best? Fair, balanced, educational.  Reading that title I for sure begin to picture crazy, obnoxious, out of their minds, tree-hugging, leftists performing rituals on Wall Street. What a great way to plant this in the minds of the people. The perfect set-up.

I go on to read this article. It begins by saying "it would be easy to dismiss the Occupy Wall Street protests as another disorganized and liberal whinefest … because that’s basically true. The demonstrations, taking place in New York and now other cities and other nations, have a classic lefty feel.  But there’s more to this, if you dig deep enough. These protests do reflect the genuine economic fears that many Americans feel." Love the set up, "liberal whinefest". Superb journalism. So glad that behind the whining and complaining of corruption there is a point somewhere to be found, as you think indicated by the rest of that sentence. But, the article continues on and if you haven't guessed my sarcasm by now, then let me be honest. It is AWFUL reporting and disappointing to the core. I want to be educated and not brainwashed with labels and propaganda. Both CNN and Fox News just reek of being paid-off media entertainment . It is frustrating and puts a fire in my belly. I can not read or watch anymore.

I have learned my lesson and although I questioned my ways, I thank CNN and Fox News for keeping me on my path. I will go back to my fair and balanced journalist, Amy Goodman, and her crew, and other sources I get educated by, as in The Guardian. I looked up more on Occupy Wall Street and found a wonderful article written with much class on what is going on and something finally taught me a bit more. You can find this article here at The Guardian Online. They do have a lot of other stuff that I am not sure of, but I do like some of their journalist and how they write to educate the public. You can reaserch and see what you do or don't like about it. Freedom of thought, right?

Real journalism is so important and I am understanding this more and more.  I hope some will open their eyes and seek out corporate free news sources. I encourage to point your internet towards Democracy Now and begin there. Watch journalism at its best. It isn't showy as you get from TV sources, but it is refreshing and truthful which is all worth it. Goodbye again to CNN, Fox News and other news on TV once again. I am off to make a positive difference and hang out with the radical, leftist, crazy dancing, cooky, tree-hugging folks.

More John Denver

Another one of my favorite John Denver songs and I love what he says in the interview before :) Enjoy

Looking Back

I woke up with in the middle of the night with a song in my head. The song is of a man I grew up listening to and it got me wondering about why I love nature so much. Was I always a cooky tree hugger? Why did I draw mountains scenes when I was a little girl? Why is my attraction and wonder to this planet so high? I must have had some outside influence to help throw me on this path.

I would say one of my favorite memories is when my father would have me join him in the living room in my New Jersey home. He would begin to put music on to share with me and not only listen to the instruments but also to pay close attention to the words of what the poet songwriters were expressing. Sometimes these created great talks for my father and I about the wonder of this life we all live. I grew up listening to artists such as Peter, Paul and Mary, Jim Croce, and more of that genre. But, my favorite to sit and listen to, my ALL time favorite to this day is John Denver. I loved and still love listening to John Denver. His passion for making a difference through his poetry was a driving force in my life. I can't seem to find anyone today that expresses like John did. His expressive feelings on the earth, love, cultures, spirituality, peace, and animals (such as dolphins and whales which are my favorite) is a rare gem. 

So I would like to share my favorite song this morning. It is common and you have heard it before I am sure. It might be a corny moment for me, but I want to share it anyway. His usage of comparing love for another with the love of nature and how it is all one in the same evokes the most wonderful deep emotions for me and I am sure others as well. So a little musical sharing from me this am. Come and sit in my blog living room and listen to his words. 

A big thanks to my dad for sharing these wonderful singers with me in my life and another big thank you to the late John Denver who still inspires to this day and through his words helps me to remember what I love most in life. I do not forget. This is a part of me always. 

Story of Bottled Water

So as promised here is the interesting video on bottled water...

Awareness #1 - Simplicity is the KEY!

This morning I happened to watch Democracy Now news (probably one of the only news sources I trust) and the stories today had to do a lot with 9/11, the new building being built in NYC, who is funding it, who is making millions off of it, how much of it is outsourced leaving local US workers helpless, and how workers from 9/11 are dying from the materials they had to deal with. Here is the link if you would like to take a peak - Democracy Now

Politics goes round and round. People fight and are divided by hatred, complaining at an all time high, and the fists are out of who wants who in office. The leaders begin the claim to make a difference, but my awareness is that it begins with me and trust has been violated by a whole lot of them up there. The thing is I believe corporations are running the country. They are much larger than the government. You probably know this as well. Contributions lead to decisions to be voted on. And you know what, this goes all ways, even Environmental lobbyist I know make deals. I am no way near understanding political science, but something is just wrong and politics is dying for me. It doesn't seem the way anymore. The voice seems to be in small communities, local and sustainable living, supporting local farmers and making changes in your own home and community. It is about living simplicity. It is being an example for our children to learn.

With these thoughts this morning, I went online to do some of my own research. How can I make a difference when everything is so chaotic and impossible to fight. You stand up and either get called a trader or threatened and how does a passionate environmental girl keep on this journey? As stated above, I am feeling the need to keep it simple. I have a need to write on this blog the changes I am making and hoping someone out there will go on the journey as well. I know I am a product of this society. I have been taught by the advertisers that more is better, that new is better, that fast is better, that working yourself to death at jobs yo hate is better so you can have more stuff which is better. So my efforts in the upcoming months and years ahead is to say goodbye to the advertisers and find a  new, inner connection of living with respect and goodness on this earth. It is getting easier because it is fun and okay to let go of the teachings that are not sustainable. I want to meet the end of my life knowing I did something really good for myself, my wonderful daughter, my community, and my relationship with this incredible, beautiful, magnificent, perfect planet. I want to take the job of Earth Angel today and join the thousand Earth Angels that inspire me and who have been doing it for many years.

At the same time I believe in not punishing myself and going nuts. I think this is where we can fail. Commit to a million things at once and can't fulfill them. Easy, fun little steps is my plan. Hence, this journal/blog continues with much joy.

So today I was led on an educational, environmental journey. I viewed a great video on the history of stuff which is posted below. Also the history of bottled water that I will post. Today, I looked up ways to use glass containers instead of plastic storage containers or even yet maybe bio degradable bpa-free plastics if needed. Garage sales will be a place I look for creative ways to store food and food for my daughters lunch...where will this take me next?? The search continues….

The Journey Begins... Again

I started this blog as a personal journal with my relationship to this planet. I was on this journey before. I do remember. In high school and in college. I became active in the environmental and human rights movement. I really enjoyed this time and my love for the earth, animals and people was immense.

Although I kept up with things throughout the years, I feel some of my adventures took me off the path, broken my spirit and I also feel that where I was living I began to experience a disconnection from nature. Although I loved my friends and family in Florida, being surrounded by strip malls, concrete and asphalt everywhere was truly effecting my spirit. Also breathing in exhaust on my walks and the absence of the change of seasons saddened me on a deep level. I became numb in my environment, lost and dying. As my story is told in my other blog, little crumbs were thrown on the path for me and my family to make a very big move to a place I never thought I would live. The fire grew in my belly but I ignored it many days until I was totally a blaze. I thought it impossible to be happening. But, the earth spirit kept calling me relentlessly and I after years of fighting, I put my fists down and answered back, "OK!"I surrendered and that is when circumstances begin to flow like tubing downstream on a river.

My move to Tennessee is one of the best decisions I ever followed in my life. Through my doubts, concerns and fears of such a blind move I am beginning to understand why I am here as I feel a change happening in my soul, a healing, a calling back to who I truly am. It is a great joy to feel energy in a new way. I believe that the land is incredibly powerful and when we live where we match that energy it does wonders for our soul. This is what is happening to me now. I feel uplifted, inspired, loved, and inner joy I have long missed. I mean, I sit here on this rainy day looking out on beautiful trees, leaves, a lake, smelling the freshest of air and I just smile in awe and total gratefulness. This is all I have dreamed for such a long time.

So this journey with my old friend, the earth, begins again. This blog is a record of the things I encounter through food, shopping, hiking, activism, politics, cooking, cleaning, community, farmer's markets, and other adventures. It is my friend the earth and myself taking hands and beginning new steps together.

It is my journey to awareness and you are welcome to come a long with me. I am not out to force anyone to change. I realize I must change myself and live by example and we all have that choice to be inspired and make changes ourselves. I can only hope that these writings will inspire you too, on your earth journey, to begin the process of remembering your relationship with your old friend and how to take care of her in better ways. So come along as I encounter new ways to cook, clean, help, live, and enjoy this wonderful earth! It is going to be lots of fun!