Kathie Nelson, LLC

“Stepping out of Line” Book Review

I had recent opportunity to meet author Nell Merlino a few months ago when she was in Portland.  After hearing her I was inspired to pick up a couple of her books.  You will find this book a fun read.  Nell’s voice comes through loud and clear.  

I found “Stepping out of Line – Lessons from Women Who Want it Their Way” an easy read on the flight from LA to Hawaii a few weeks ago. I loved the juicy nuggets she serves up. Here are a few:

1. Exercise the favor muscle.  
   Nell’s take on the “pay it forward” principle.
2. Changing systems is easier than you think.  
   Love how she points out our submission to what is…and how easy it is to change it.
3. Imagine our future.
   Nothing happens if not first a dream.  How much time do we spend imagining the future we desire?   
4. The ripple effect. 
   Every one of us effects the other.  When we step out, we create opportunities and provide permission for others.
5. Daily choices make the difference.
    Zinger!  Are we willing to make the choices that daily affect our outcomes?  Start today. 
6. The overall message…what are you waiting for? or better, what am I waiting for? Permission? From who? 
   Great food for thought.  Enough to stimulate me to action. 

This timely message resonated with me. Nell shares that statistically 50% of the women business owners earn less than $50k annually. Wow!

Women, including myself, have a hope, inspiration, or an idea that brings value to the marketplace. Why don’t we pursue it or fully leverage the idea? Or a better question might be, why do we stall out in our pursuit? What is it we don’t know? Nell is committed to connecting us to the knowlege and resources through her Make Mine a Million $ Business. www.makemineamillion.org.

I put this book down inspired and compelled to no longer settle for mediocre in my own business. I am joining the race. How about you?

Who is your Role Model in Times Like This?

Role models.  Who are yours? 

I want to tell you about mine.  My mother. 

What prompted this story is that my mom is making news at 72 years of age for doing some amazing things!

Let me give you some history before I get into the news.  In my lifetime I watched my mom travel a hard road.  Divorced from my father after 28 years, she was forced to face life on her own after being a stay at home mom and raising 5 kids.  Leaving the town and family she relocated across the country and began to create a life for herself.  She struggled alone for a very long time before settling in the same state as my sister.   Of course, these are just the highlights. 

What is noteworthy is her courage, tenacity and commitment to self discovery and the quality of life those qualities bring.   I want to share with you the pitch letter, DIY Publicity Expert, Nancy Juetten is using to open doors with Redbook, Oprah and NBC Nightly News just today. 

With so many near-retirement Americans being dismayed and disappointed that their retirement funds have evaporated as a result of the current economic challenges of our nation, media consumers are hungry for inspiring, good news.  Bette James Laughrun, 72, of Grand Junction, Colorado offers a pretty remarkable human interest story that can lift spirits and inspire hope and action. 

At age 62, she was preparing to die.  Since her parents had died around that age, she suspected her time on Earth was near complete.  She retreated from life.  She thought twice about receiving dental work because she wasn’t sure the return on investment was worth it.  Then, she received an invitation in the mail to participate in a human potential workshop. She decided to attend.  During the workshop, she realized she wasn’t living her life with a long term vision.  She reflected on the value of her life and the contribution she was — or wasn’t — making.  She realized she had a whole lot more to offer to her community and her family, and she has done both in abundance since coming to that realization.  Now, ten years later, she is fully engaged in life, preparing to treat her extended family to an all-expense paid dream trip to the Big Island of Hawaii on March 12, and she has been recognized for achieving the million dollar mark in the business she launched not long after attending that workshop.  Laughrun is most proud of her project, called ThePeopleBuilders.com, that works with churches and community organizations to help improve the health of group members.  You can read more about this project at www.thepeoplebuilders.com.  Bette James Laughrun works with a business coach weekly, and technology is her friend.  She is familiar with Skype and web casting, and welcomes opportunities to learn new things, contribute to other’s health and success. She is proof positive that the Third Phase of life can be the best of all those to come before.  Her contributions to others give her life meaning.  She is surrounded by family, friends, and business associates who value the contribution she makes.  She is healthy, vibrant, and alive.  And, she has the financial foundation to provide an exceptional quality of life while generously giving back to others in need.  The sense of urgency she feels to make the most of every day is apparent because she is having way too much fun and doesn’t want to miss a single moment.  That is a far different and welcome approach to life than considering whether or not needed dental work will deliver ROI.

Laughrun said, “Today, I am able to donate to many great organizations that can change the lives of others and who need encouragement.  It may be an Ethiopian teenager in Israel who has been uprooted from her own land and can’t afford the luxury of getting her teeth fixed.  It might be a traumatized child from Gaza who lives in the torment of war and needs to get away to a quiet, no-stress camp to have some fun for a reprieve.  It may be an orphan who has lost parents and family or a widowed refugee left with the support of her five children as a result of the continuous bombings.  I see more needs every day.  I have set up a family trust so that the giving goes on long after my death.  It is to be a living memorial in the lives of those in need.”  She also said, “I read somewhere that you can change your life when you change your mind.  I know that from my personal experience, it is really true.” 

Here are convenient links to make it easy for you to read more about this inspiring woman:

• http://www.gjsentinel.com/hp/content/business/stories/2009/02/17/021809_9b_Isagenix_top_seller.html
• http://www.isagenix.com/us/en/community_bette.dhtml

My mom aspires to be more.  She is writing a book, speaking nationally, continuing to take take business and personal development programs.   As a role model, she continues to inspire me with her attitude, her faith, and commitment to serving others….and living life fully till she is done.  This is my idea of retirement!  

Look around.  In times like these your role model may be closer than you think.