Brandmerry Blog Archives
Colorado Getaway
#travelmerry
If you are a regular to the Brandmerry blog, then you know all about my love of traveling. If you don’t know my story, be sure to check it out here. Traveling has always been a top priority for me; even before my husband and I started traveling together I had already visited seven countries on my own.
Traveling opens up so many possibilities because it takes you out of your comfort zone, forces you to adapt and by default you begin to grow. I know for a fact that my story and the person I am today has been shaped by the experiences I have had the privilege of having throughout my travels.
When I became pregnant with our son so many people told us we should get it out of the way now. For some reason they had this idea in their heads that when we have kids your ability to travel, learn and explore go out the window. Well to that I say Hell No! Seriously, who came up with this idea. Traveling with our son has been even more exciting than it was before and we don't plan on slowing down anytime soon.
My husband and I know traveling is essential to learning and growing and want to teach our son the same mentality. Because of this we have already taken three adventures with our son before he was even 9 months old. Together we have explored California, Chicago (check out the blog post here) and Colorado, next up Europe with a visit to Belgium and Amsterdam.
Traveling is so much a part of who I am that it was the driving force behind starting this business. I want to be able to travel the world as much as I can, whenever I want. I also want to show other women and especially mothers that it is possible to travel with your children and create a job that allows you to do so.
Colorado
We booked an impromptu trip to Colorado in July. I was daydreaming, as I typically do on a Monday, and came across some seriously cheap airfare. Minutes later it was booked! As with all of our trips we book our accommodations through Airbnb, and once again our rental did not disappoint.
We spent our evenings in Boulder, CO, but our days exploring the beauty around us. Here is a snapshot of our impromptu getaway to Colorado.
Boulder:
Twisted Pine Brewery
Native Foods (we seriously visit this everywhere we go!)
Avery Brewing Company
Flatirons
Mountain Sun Pub
Eldarado Canyon (a hidden gem in Boulder)
Leaf Restaurant (delicious vegan brunch)
Taj Indian Cuisine
Estes Park:
Estes Park Brewing Company
Estes Park Tram
6 mile hike (yes 6 miles!) to Bridal Veil Falls
Colorado Springs:
Garden of the Gods
TRiNiTY Brewing Company
Would love to hear your favorite places in or around Boulder and Denver - I definitely see another trip in our future.
Facing Your Fears {Surface-level Shit}
Whether you have a fear of heights, water, public speaking (which if this is you you definitely need to watch my free webinar replay) or something else - it is time to start facing those surface level fears and stop letting them dictate your power.
I personally have always had a fear of heights.
You would never find me standing near a ledge, jumping off rocks or really even going in elevators at a young age. My husband on the other hand, most definitely does not have a fear of heights. It’s not uncommon to see him scaling rocks with absolutely no equipment or jumping off of 40-foot waterfall in Costa Rica; yeah I almost had a heart attack with that one.
When we started dating he was constantly pushing me and pushing me and pushing me to face my fear of heights, but I was not budging. I remember a time in Yosemite when we were there with his whole family and they were all jumping off this rock into the water. I was so scared, but I eventually climbed up the rock, already hard enough on its own, and waited to jump. Needless to say I ended up in tears, climbed down a little bit and jumped off a lower rock. It’s hard to explain, but the feeling I get when I am on the edge of something is an all-encompassing feeling in my whole entire body that the worst is about to happen.
So why am I telling you this? I’m telling you this because I know you can relate. I bet there is a surface level fear you are dealing with that is holding you back in your everyday life.
That rock in Yosemite made me realize that I was sitting back on a lot of fun adventures because I was letting my fear consume me. From then on I made it a point to try one thing that scared me every year when we took our annual anniversary vacation. Since Yosemite in 2012 I’ve walked across a rope bridge in Ireland, stood at the edge of Cliffs of Moher in Ireland, zip lined in Oregon, stood in the glass case at the Sears Tower, hiked to the top of a waterfall in Costa Rica and just recently went indoor rock climbing with my husband. Each one of these experiences has made me get out of my comfort zone and pushed me past my limits - and each of these experiences has carried over into my everyday life.
I’m becoming more adventurous in my decisions, in taking chances and yes, in climbing to the top!
Facing Your Fears:
Helps you grow as an individual and business owner
Makes you feel as if you can accomplish anything (especially if it is a fear you've held on to for years)
Teaches you that YOU have the power
Gives you a new perspective on life and what you've been holding back from
That’s the trick with facing your fears at the surface level, it opens up the opportunity for new possibilities you might normally ignore out of fear. I want you to remember that every small step you take every chance that you have to face these fears is really a chance for a new beginning.
By facing our fears a little bit at a time we are slowly breaking away the layers that are holding us back.
Be Merry!
If you are ready to stop living your life in fear and reach to make drastic changes in you life and business, then now is the time to book a discovery call with me. let's chat for 30 minutes about where you are, where you want to be and how you are going to get there >>
Become a Public Speaking Pro
It has been reported that 74% of people suffer from speech anxiety - 74%, And I totally believe it!
During my 7 day challenge in my Facebook community more than half of the people participating in the challenge reported a fear of public speaking or networking. The thing is public speaking is one of the best ways to get your messaging, your brand and essentially you in front of the right people.
I’ve literally been speaking in front of people my whole entire life. I participated in performance arts for most of my youth, medaled in speech competitions and could never turn down a microphone. Later in my life I majored and worked in public relations, helping write speeches for business CEO’s and nonprofits. Even today I work in the communications department at a major nonprofit, talking on camera, writing speeches for our Executive Director and speaking to large and small groups alike.
So when I tell you I know a thing or two about public speaking, I mean it! Now I might not have a fear of public speaking, but that doesn’t mean I don’t get nervous - cause I do. However, my experience working with others who have this fear has prepared me to help coach and train entrepreneurs overcome their fear of public speaking and completely ROCK their next speaking gig.
Today I’m sharing three things you can easily do to prepare to your next engagement. If you are looking for a more in-depth training and to learn the top five tips I’ve learned over the years then register today.
Practice, Practice
This might seem like a no-brainer, but it still needs to be said. Why? Because no matter how many times it is said people still skip this step. Seriously, the number one thing you can do is PRACTICE. Get your butt in front of a mirror and practice. Grab a friend and practice. Just practice. Practicing your speech makes you recognize repetition, facial expressions and just better prepares you to deliver your speech.
Tell A Story
So I understand that the point of your speech might be to share a product or service, and ultimately buy into what you are sharing. But the key to getting great results is to have them buy into you. In order to do this you have to be relatable and authentic (so much more on this in the training). Telling a story from the beginning breaks the ice, is a fantastic transition and makes you seem more relatable.
Simplify
So often we think we have to cram everything we know into a speech - this just isn’t the case. You want people to take away your main points and you can’t possibly do that if you are overloading them with things to remember. Simple is best when it comes to public speaking. Pick your top three things you want your audience to takeaway and build your speech around that (P.S. we go deep into messaging in the webinar).
If you have a fear of public speaking, trouble speaking about your business to others or just need to take your skills to the next level then you need this training.
Click here to reserve your spot for the training.
Books to Ignite Your Motivation
Becoming a entrepreneur is no easy task. It takes time, dedication and a few sacrifices to get your business up and running. However, and correct me if I'm wrong, but you probably shared the same goal I had when launching our business, that you desired flexibility and ease. Ok good we are on the same page. Then why does it sometimes feel exhausting working on our businesses?
It's because we don't take time for ourselves!
I plan to do a whole series on self care, but what better way to kick off than with a list of some truly inspirational books? Part of my self care routine is making sure I am feeding my mind with truly inspirational, positive and empowering literature.
Just like you, I don't always have the time to sit down and actually read a book especially while working 9 to 5 and raising a little one. So I have found my new best friend is Audible.
There are many resources out there for listening to your books, but honestly I found Audible and ran with it. I love listening to my books because it allows me to fit them in on my drive to and from work.
Some books to get you started:
- You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero
- The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks
- Leveraging the Universe by Mike Dooley
- The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace D. Wattles
- What I Know for Sure by Oprah Winfrey
- Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person by Shonda Rhimes
I'm a big fan of Oprah's What I Know for Sure as a quick and SUPER effective read. I'm also such a huge fan of You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero, so much that I've listened to it three times already - I seriously can't say enough great things about the messages in this book.
I hope this list gives you a jumping off point. Remember, self care is so important not only for our own well-beings, but also for our business.
In order to give time and energy to your business and your family you must first give to yourself.
Be Merry!
Let's Talk Motivation
I hear from so many people in our private Facebook group, Authentic Brand Builders, that they often feel unmotivated. I felt it was time I addressed this issue and the belief that we as humans lack motivation.
To begin I want to share with you that,
"You have the time, the energy and the resources to achieve what you desire to achieve."
It's important to note that if you truly have a desire to achieve something or live a certain way, then that right there should be all the motivation you need. It's really not a matter of not being motivated. Many people look at the surface issue, which is most often an issue of time. They feel there isn't enough time in the day to get things done, so they fall of the wagon or lose motivation. It's important to remember that you have the same amount of time as the most successful people in the World - Yeah, I know right?!
If this desire is truly the life you want to create then it should be top priority and whatever needs to be done to get there will be done.
If you feel time is an issue you need to evaluate where your time is being spent. You are the controller of your life and your time. If someone invites you to something and it doesn't serve you, then don't go. If you find you are spending time on mundane tasks that are not in your zone of genius, then you need to outsource. An example would be if you are spending three hours cleaning your home, then hire someone to clean your home and allow yourself three more hours to work on your business.
If this seems scary then break it down $ for $.
Say you charge $50/hr for your services and you spend three hours cleaning. If you hired someone to clean, you would spend around $90 total for cleaning, but you would be able to work for three additional hours and make $150. So really you are selling yourself short and stealing from yourself by not outsourcing. In addition to the $150 you are also most likely developing something that will bring in more money and reducing your stress level. WIN!
Do a time analysis and see where your time is going and where you can outsource certain tasks.
Now, after we have addressed the surface issue of time, let's take a deeper look at this underlying issue that is keeping you from feeling motivated. How are you sabotaging yourself in regards to achieving your dreams? There is an underlying issue here, something you are subconsciously telling yourself or a belief that you have that is keeping you from doing so. It could be a lack of confidence or a fear of this new life of freedom.
You could be battling with putting yourself out there, afraid you might annoy people or people might not like you. You could be worried or fearful about this new life you are creating. You spent your whole life creating this life and are scared of how your relationships, friendship, etc. might change with this new life.
Whatever it is that you are facing; figure out what that issue is and address this - cause it is not a motivation issue. It's important to remember that you have the time, energy and resources to achieve all of your desires.
So, what is holding you back?
Get this word "unmotivated" out of your head - you are either going to do it or not going to do it! Seriously, if you are planning to leave your job you don't half ass it. Don't just say I would like to leave my job, say I'm leaving my job and put a date on it.
Make it a non-negotiable for your life of freedom. If you say you are going to do it, you will find the time, the energy and the resources to do so.
If your facing this issue of feeling "unmotivated" then I encourage you to dive deep and discover what the underlying belief might be and rid it of your mind.