Learning 2 Live The Life We Are Meant 2 Live!

Reminder from A Brown Bag Gourmet!

2011-12-21T11:40:00.001-08:00

During the Holidays, it's important to focus on "presence" over "presents."

It's a gift!

http://www.abrownbaggourmet.blogspot.com

Happy Holidays!
Ashley

Reconnect, reload, relish your relationships

2011-10-11T08:35:00.000-07:00

I'll admit that there are times when I can be a bit anti-social. You may not believe it from everything I write and post, but I assure you...it's true.

However, Fall is turning out not to be one of those times.

Case in point: last week, after finishing some not-too-tasty Chinese food from the local Unfortunate Kitty Cafe, I cracked open a fortune cookie to find a lovely fortune/sentiment that proved to be prophetic. It said...

The next day, I went to yoga. My intuitive instructor had me do a new move that hurt like HELL!

I lay on my stomach and pushed up with my hands... shoulders down and back, and head back (as far as it would go).

As I listened to her instructions, she said, "This particular pose means you are OPEN to whatever the universe has in store."

That very week, I reconnected with a couple of very dear people whom I have known since grade school. Both hold special meaning and memories for me. Both are very strong, successful individuals who have revealed a mutually "friendly fondness" for me, which was a wonderful (and much needed) surprise.

When I spoke with them, it was as if the decades that we hadn't seen each other were never really there. I'll admit that Facebook does have some virtues, I s'pose, but it can't give you the sight, smell (yes, smell!) and sound of who your friend really is and why you have loved them all your life. A hug doesn't hurt either!

I walked away from my conversations feeling like a void had been filled. I walked away knowing that I had needed to have those connections, those particular conversations and to know that the friendship was always there.

Other opportunities are now, thankfully, showing themselves. So, I have decided to do that yoga pose every day.

Too, I am carrying that little fortune with me and finding that if I think first with my heart, instead of overthinking with my head, I am more myself. I realize that being me is a good thing, and it's that authenticity that will help me shine from the inside out.

Additionally, reconnecting to the person I am helps draw the people I want to be in my life directly to me.

Tossing aside judgment (of myself and others) - along with cynicism (sp?) over other people's intentions is helping to reload my thought process, reconnect with people I have cared for all my life but wouldn't allow near me for whatever reason, and relish my established relationships...and those that I have yet to establish.

Yes, I still have a lot of work to do. But, I feel like the path is less narrow and "richer" than ever before. I attribute it primarily to my new found love for yoga, but also to simply being "open" to whatever life presents and living in the moment.

I urge you to do what your heart tells you. Follow your path and make it your goal. Allow someone to hold your hand only if they stand beside you, and let go if they hold you back from seeking your true potential.

You only have this moment. Be open to it.

Staying PRESENT helps create YOUR BEST LIFE!

2011-09-11T10:24:00.000-07:00

Regardless of how positive and optimistic you might be, there are going to be times when you feel undervalued and underappreciated. Hopefully, these feelings come infrequently; but when they do, it's not always easy to immediately snap out of the funk and forge ahead. It's part of our human condition.

After all, we were created with brains that, although meant to help us sort through our days and assist us in communicating our needs and making everyday decisions, can also sometimes plague us with that little thing called "memory" which can play tricks on us at times.

Ill feelings about ourselves can stem from things we experienced in our childhood - even in our past adult life. Reflection is important if we are going to figure out how we are going to be better people and live better lives - but too much ruminating can ruin the opportunity for personal growth and self-awareness because it can create a skewed reality.

Socrates once said, "The unexamined life is not worth living." (check out the linked article)

I believe that self-reflection (without flagellation or judgment) is imperative to our personal growth. There is not one singular path to improving elements of your life, but there are many things you can do to make the path towards inner peace and self-contentment "the goal."

As part of my own development and since I was a teen, I have always participated in some form of meditation. Most recently, I have immersed myself in both guided and self-directed meditation. However, I am just now participating in a yoga program. The program is helping me to focus on what's truly important to me in maintaining and improving the life that is mine, so I want to share this with you in hopes that you, too, will gain something from it.

My yoga instructor is Megan Sappington, and if you will click on the link to my sister blog, you will find a 20-minute-or-so podcast that outlines how yoga can help you, too.

http://www.abrownbaggourmet.blogspot.com

"Making It Happen Daily" means living in the present, enjoying the moment and making each day the absolute best it can be...and it CAN be!

GO FOR IT MY FRIENDS!

Summer 2011 EZette, Podcasts & Gearing Up For Change!

2011-06-24T06:08:00.000-07:00

Some of you may know that over two weeks ago, I endured some major surgery. Happily, I feel better than I have in years (truly!) but the worst part is the bedrest for the following 6 weeks. My beagle is confused, I can't lift her....can only lift a coffee mug, basically, and my fingers to type out a blog that may or may not interest you. Hopefully it will!!

Yes, when I awoke from my surgery, the first thing I wanted was my computer so I could document everything that was whirling and whooshing through my little mind. It wasn't until 4 hours after I awoke from surgery that I was told I had no cancer, but that moment made a HUGE impact on my life as it stands.

Changes are being made, and changes are to come, and I hope you'll come along with me on my new, more focused, more health and wellness-oriented quest to LIVE THE LIFE WE ARE MEANT TO LIVE! Of course, we will still drink wine, and sometimes eat what we shouldn't, but things have changed my friends and I hope you'll come along for the ride!

The following links are to my EZettes for A Brown Bag Gourmet and to the latest podcast on What's Cookin'. These are merely to distract and entertain you while I gear up to begin blogging for real again!

In the meantime, enjoy the following links to my A Brown Bag Gourmet Ezettes, Ezines and Podcasts about, well, mostly wine and food (still my two favorite things) and check back in July for the beginning of...the beginning!

Thank you for following my blogs, websites, Twitters and such. You have no idea, but you truly mean so much!

http://www.abrownbaggourmet.com/The-Brown-Bag-Ezine.html

http://whatscookin.podomatic.com/entry/2011-06-23T12_23_41-07_00

Authentically,
Ashley

Doing What's RIGHT For YOU!

2011-05-17T17:53:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I have to admit that I have a habit of "experimenting" with things (not questionable things like I did when I was in my teens and 20's!!!) but, I do take some risks and many of them pay off.

Is that really bad?!

I mean, is exploring the option of new horizons outside your picket fence a truly "bad" thing? Or, is it merely just not the norm in most circles?! Is societal acceptance all there really is and if so, why are those who are making really sad personal choices still making millions of dollars along with headlines?

i prefer dollars over headlines, but if headlines bring in the dollars, count me in.

Because I am a lifelong learner and a person who probably shouldn't, but does jump in and 'just regular do" without thinking through all the pitfalls and problems that a lack-of-hesitation may bring...inevitably, there are issues that eventually, and almost always present themselves for scrutiny and review. However, whatever those issues may be...they tend to dissipates before I can give it a second or third thought. I feel lucky that way.

More often than not...I choose wisely. However, when I choose to JUMP...well... I played a helluva lot of FROGGER in the late 70's and early 80's so I should be seasoned with all the jumping I do/have done.

In this particular case, however, I've chosen to give things the once over. Without too much rumination or obsessing, I've thought about what is going on right now and what is right for me and I've chosen...well...not to do anything about anything. For the moment, at least, I've resigned from doing anything about my situation except accepting it and giving it the attention it deserves for a little while...or until I get a sign that "jumping" is necessary..

OH! That sign has actually come and gone? Geesh!

My philosophy is that life guides you as it trains you and prepares you for the road ahead. You may not know why you are experiencing things; but there is a reason for being (and staying) "in that moment." Take it from me: what you experience in your past presents itself later in your life and if you are wise (and lucky) you recognize it!

I recognize some things that have me contemplating my current life choices and these signs could not have come at a better time. Therefore, I've chosen to take the month of June off to digest, convalesce and acquiesce to what my soul/spirit/person needs more than anything...a BREAK. :-)

After all, the only person you ever really owe anything to is YOU.

Recognize the signs and go with your gut, sister!

Namaste!

Handling Bad News With Grace

2011-05-02T14:13:00.000-07:00

Although I'm an eternal optimist, there are times when I've personally experienced what I would consider "bad news" and I don't know whether or not I've handled it well.

Having recently received some not-so-great-personal news, I have to wonder how some of my friends would/have handled it.

So, how do you handle it? How do YOU personally handle bad news?

I'd like to know if you'd like to tell.

XO

In All Things, Be Your Authentic Self (I'M BAAAACK!!)

2011-04-23T06:50:00.000-07:00

This is the only way I know how to say it: I believe I'm a flexible person; but, I'm not one to take a large amount of crap off people. When I'm finished, I'm done, and rarely (if ever) do I look back. Now, I'm not saying this is an enviable trait, or one that makes me popular in general, but life is not a popularity contest.

At times, I may not be the favorite knife on the cutting board; but I'm proud to say I can slice through intentions and pretence like a razor-sharp Ginzu! I listen to and go with my gut. There have been occasions where I've followed my heart over my head, and let me tell you, there is merit in the cliche "nice girls finish last."

Okay, I think I'm basically nice but when it comes to protecting myself, my family, my real friendships, I can be a bit of a pain in the Chattahootchie. (Wow! Feels good to type and say that word!)

The reason I am blogging this is not to remind myself that I'm a "good" "kind" "nice" person, or even get you to agree with that. No. I am putting this out there because it's important for you to know that it's okay to be yourself. You owe it to yourself. If someone doesn't accept you, that's their problem...not yours.

I'm not a person who tells others what he or she should or shouldn't do. But, believe me when I tell you that life is so much better when you shut out the opinions and judgments of others. Who cares if someone doesn't like you, your personality, your taste, your looks, your choices in life, etc., etc. What does it matter?! You know what they say about opinions, don't you?! lol

We are made as individuals by someone/something who/that is a hell of a lot brighter than we could ever hope to shine. Not all of us are in touch with our own greatness, or are able to see and take advantage of opportunities put in our path, but we are all capable of living our best life by making the choice to be the person we are meant to be in the place where we live...in that moment...and for ourselves. Truthfully, it isn't up to anyone else to provide us with the kind of life we've always wanted, we have to make that choice and make it happen.

Like a puzzle, only the correct pieces will fit in making the whole picture!

Look at it this way, if you will; each of us has our own interior issues. On the outside, a person may seem like all is well, all is calm, but on the inside life is a swirling hairball that could be tossed up at any moment. It's true of all of us. After all, we are human.

So, back to the "nice girls finish last" comment. I'm referring to getting what you want out of life by sticking to your guns and choosing to only accept that which is productive, positive and plentiful for your own life. Relationships of any kind in our lifetime are a two-way street. If you find that you are always having to bend, back off or even break to make life more pleasant for others but increasingly more difficult for you, remember this - compromise is crap when it comes to your LIFE!

Make it happen daily for yourself and always give it your best shot!

Visit our sister blog "A Brown Bag Gourmet"

2011-02-22T13:52:00.000-08:00

Although I enjoy writing about positive thinking and moving ahead in business and in my personal life, I also like to concentrate on something that really gives me a lot of joy. Creativity!

The months of January and February are great for either becoming garden variety, or using downtime to exercise the muscle between your ears. Now, I've been known to crash on the couch for a couple of days, drinking chamomile tea and waiting for Young and the Restless! (Yes, I'll admit that this is a HUGE guilty pleasure and one that I rarely take advantage of in the months after January and February! lol)

However, my main focus is growing my catering and event planning business, so I DO spend the majority of my time creating what I believe to be fun and interesting pieces to enhance my craft and entertain my clients, friends, family...myself.

Please visit my "other" blog: http://www.abrownbaggourmet.blogspot.com/

to download podcasts, ezines or find recipes and other information pertaining to "lifestyle" and leave your comments, too! If there's anything you would like to read/see/hear...let me know!

Thank you for following my blogs!

Authentically,

Ashley

Tax Time IS Truly "Taxing!"

2011-01-30T13:15:00.000-08:00

OMG!

Okay, so I don't care how many years you have to prepare your own tax records, it never gets any easier. Here it is, the end of January, and I am struggling because I've misplaced two bank statements and can't finish my 1099's to get out by tomorrow!

Did I proscrastinate? Well, of course!!! But, was I more organized in 2010 than in years past? You betcha!

Owning your own business is rewarding in so many ways. Especially, I might add, if you are doing something you absolutely love to do and I love to cook, entertain and be my creative (authentic) self and it sure is fun to make that money!

However, when it comes down to what I call "serious nut-cuttin'" - meaning, making sure all the i's are crossed and the t's are placed solidly in the tee-box - do I enjoy it?! NOT so much!

When I lived in Nashville, I would do some consulting on and off with my day job, so no biggie. When I started Riverstone Resource Group in late 2001, I only had one client, and I was simply providing consulting services, so again...easy. As Riverstone evolved into Riverstone Media Group, LLC, it became larger than life and I had to hire a CPA and it was amazing to see how much money was made (and spent!) throughout and entire year.

Now that I have A Brown Bag Gourmet, LLC, there are so many costs involved that it's amazing I made even the little bit I was able to keep for myself in 2010. Catering is an expensive business to be in and has very little profit margin. Trust me! But, that's why I tell you that owning your own business is rewarding if you love what you do and you don't really consider what you are doing to be "work." I'm not in it for the money.

I never want to discourage you from following your dream or finding what it is you are truly meant to do and be in your life. But, tax time can sure give you pause!

Great way to start of my new blogposts for 2011, but THAT'S WHAT IS UP right now! :-)

Anyway,my little brain is about to explode from looking at numbers. My math disability doesn't make in any easier, but I'm thinking I might heat up that gluten-free pasta I made for lunch, grab a glass of red wine and do a quick search for Vintage 1930's clothing to spice up my Sunday night. Oh! I found the MOST beautiful crepe Cheongsam on eBay and it was SUCH a steal and I was so excited to win the bid!

Have a lovely evening and MUAH!
Ash

Authenticity Comes From Within

2010-12-05T07:15:00.000-08:00

"Trust yourself. Think for yourself. Act for yourself. Speak for yourself. Act for yourself."
A quote from Marva Collins

Self matters.

Reminder...

2010-11-30T15:20:00.001-08:00

Gentle reminder.

Surround yourself with people who let you be yourself.