NETWORKING TIP #20 of 100

Blog Journey: Why this All Started & Why I continue....

My goodness... My journey is just that: My Journey. My blogs were started to create an authentic place for women to share the things that we have kept hidden for years... I share from an open, authentic and completely vulnerable place (which is not an easy place to sit). 

I share my journey, my experiences and I talk about the things that others can't or won't. It is my desire to demystify these life experiences... It is only then can we help each other from one stage of life to the next with grace and ease...

My mistakes and choices may not be yours, but the consequences of my actions may help someone in the future. I never sit in judgement. I wish that you would feel safe to share your journey as well... It is only when that dialogue starts that we truly help each other with deep varied experiences. I don't judge you for being in relationship with a married man. We all have scripts to play out in life. What is right for me.... may have extenuating circumstances for you.

The messages that I get thanking me for openly talking about things, women sharing their stories and connecting are many. It is not easy to sit in this space of vulnerability. I continue to do so with the knowledge that it helps some and possibly many. I know that I am sparking the right conversations when I get a little hate mail... I will continue to be me. 100% me all of the time without external editing - authentic and open. I will post about it all... No matter what...


My thoughts, My Experiences... Always me...

Blog: Good From Bad... The Journey

My family had a scare with my sister's recent health issues... She has been in horrific pain and suffering. It is such an awful thing... How can I find the positive?... How can I not? 

That is part of my personal journey... Gratitude comes from being able to pinpoint and appreciate the Gifts.

I know that I am the bridge that connects people. 

It shows up in all areas of my life. I have just always known who the new person in the room is, what they need and who they need to meet. I have held that place in every organization and group that I have ever been in: a natural fit. That holds true in my family as well...

My brother and sister are quite a bit older than I am. They are close in age. I followed behind about 7 or so years later. Being close in age has it's challenges. Those are challenges that I didn't really have to experience. It did affect the relationship between my siblings...

As adults, I have always been the bridge to connect the family. For years it was with nephews and siblings. I did the same thing with my exes family through our whole marriage. Some years there would have been no connection if I had not been the constant hostess and inviting and inviting.

 I am not complaining. I love being a hostess...

Here is one of the biggest gifts that came from my sister's pain. 

The entire family showed up for her. 

My brother showed up in a BIG way. 

I was able to connect with both of my siblings at the same time in a way that I have never been able to do before. 

I connected with them each individually... 

but, never together because they did not connect to each other. 

That changed...

I saw the connection and closeness grow between my brother and sister like I have never seen in my lifetime. It was a gift to see and experience. I was asked if I was jealous because I have always been close with my brother and he has always treated me like a princess and protected me.

 My answer is an astounding NO. 

It is a gift and a blessing to see him give to her what I have experienced my whole life.

I cannot even express the feeling that I got when I walked into the hospital room and saw my brother using baby hair detangler and combing the knots out of my sister's hair that she had gotten from laying in bed for so long.... and then my daughter arrived and she took the other side.

My favorite people standing there behind my sister combing out her hair as she laid there in pain. 

The bonds that were formed and the relationships that were healed right along as my sister's physical condition was healing was monumental. A lifetime wish and part of our journey together....

I am Grateful!

Kimberly R Lifestyle by Design 
Designing a life with grace and ease 

NETWORKING TIP #19 of 100

BLOG Connect: An Open Thank You Letter to My Friends

I have been sitting reflecting and feeling deep gratitude over the last few weeks... I took my time to release this letter and I hope it touches ALL of the appropriate people. I have such a deep feeling of love and care around me. 

I truly appreciate everyone that has reached out, kept me in their thoughts privately and/or showed up on my doorstep. 

I needed you...

I know it's long... Read the beginning, the end and skim the middle for what applies to you 

I have been a work in progress my whole life... But, since I consciously shifted about 6 -8 years ago I have drawn the most amazing people into my life. I know that it took a shift in me to manifest that... but, here is where I sit today.

When my sister had her medical emergency... I had a bit of a meltdown. I always think that I am so much stronger than I am. When it comes down to it, I initially fall apart before moving on with strength... My daughter will attest to some wonderful mother of the year moments to back this fact up.

Upon the first word from me, the support was strong and consistent. People from all areas of my life showed up in ways that I could not have imagined before.

My close friends gifted me with such kindness and they insisted that I treat myself with love and care as well. I have made decisions and choices that I have never made before in either my business or my personal life. I have always pushed through with a great cost to myself, my health and well being. I have gotten it all done at a price. It was very different this time.

I had a party that I did not want to cancel because it was in support of another friend... Me - the recovering Martha Stewart on Crack Hostess... did something unthinkable. I messaged my friends and said that I didn't want to reschedule and I asked for help. I did not have time to even get to the grocery store. My guests showed up with flowers, food and drink. I did not even have condiments in my refrigerator... They brought it all and I did not even feel guilty.They gifted me with that support.  I was open to the help and thankful that they were all there to add such loving positive energy to my home.

My local support and Mastermind Team messaged me and called me to check in. They got me out of the house. Took on some of my work... without me asking and showed me incredible kindness. Kindness like I have NEVER known in my life. 

I am not sure that everyone is gifted with this support. I hope that they are...

I have connected with people from High School... Those reunions that I never attend, but engaged in the community online has astounded me. That is one of the strongest support systems that I have ever seen. For each other and big time for me. Very special people that have shown up and supported me with absolute sincerity. Not just now, but consistently. Some may have known me, knew of me or not at all. As adults we have a unique connection. They are solid, caring and kind people. I have been busy with work and building my business and my engaging has dropped off... but, with one word that I was in need... they showed up front and center for me with offers of support, checking on me, offering a place to stay, to meet me when I was a mess... and more. A group that has known me for 30 years and although I am scarcely the same person that I was then... there is still a familiarity and it is a gift that cannot be properly expressed.

My David is such a rock in my life. 

I am not sure what I am going to do when he gets married again :-) But, he google chatted with me, texted me, called me... followed me and always was/is there. Even though he does not live close... he is always connected. One of the BIGGEST gifts that I could ever have in my life. His sister too... sends me support and really makes me feel like a part of their family. Nothing like being in on the family chat time <3

When I drove to Sacramento to see my sister in the hospital friends dropped everything and made time to support me. I know how busy their lives are... It helped me shift when I was on the verge of falling apart. It allowed me to collect myself and eased me through to the next step.

My facebook friends checked in and asked when I was not offering. Funny... It seems that I am one of the few people that actually personally knows most of my FB friends. With time and distance I may not see or talk to you all of the time.... But, I know you and appreciate you. When the people I know say that they are praying for my sister... I know that they are not just going through the motions or saying it in passing. I KNOW that you are taking a moment to send energy to my family.

My guest cleaned the house for me, picked up coffee and toilet paper from the store and sat with me; providing the most amazing kindness and comfort. A gift that I needed.

Two Doctors that I am connected to through facebook messaged me privately and gave me advice and support. A true gift and comfort.

Friends and Strong amazing women that I am connected with around the country set aside Prayer time so that we could pray and send energy to my sister ALL at the same time. An amazing gift which is much more than I can express here.  You know who you are <3

One of the first people that I rented my spare room to through airbnb follows me on facebook. She sincerely showed up BIG time. Not only with empathy and care, but offered her home to me while she was away on vacation: keys and all.... so that I had a calm place to get away that was not far from the hospital.

Family that have not been in touch have reached out to show support. Good things come out of horrible situations.... A gift.

The messages and support that I have received online, offline, in person, on the phone and energetically has been OFF the HOOK!  I hope that I did not forget to mention anyone....


Time is the biggest gift that you can ever give to me. I know what that means. I know the value of you taking the time out of your busy life to support me:; stopping and connecting when I needed you. I cannot begin to express how much I appreciate ALL of you. I wish I could email everyone and call everyone and this seems like so little for receiving so much....

Here is the thing... What I know for sure is that the prayers that were sent for my sister and family did not only help her. I know that they were intended for me too... I felt it. It helped me to deal and heal and I am sitting in absolute awe and gratitude...

Tomorrow's blog... Good from Bad: the Journey....

Thank You with all of my heart,

Kimberly

NETWORKING TIP #18 OF 100

BLOG Savvy4Less: Update on World Market Club....

I recently told you about a few of my favorite customer rewards programs and World Market has just increased the benefits that they are giving you....

Thought you should know...

Kimberly R Lifestyle by Design 
Designing a life with grace and ease