Emotional Healing and Essential Oils

Emotions, both good and bad, are an essential part of life. When we experience more bad emotions than good, it is a sign that something is "off", not just in the mind but in the body as well. Essential oils have been sought out for their pure, medicinal properties for centuries. Since they are derived from nature. They are the perfect option for anyone looking to address their health in a holistic way.

Research shows our bodies digest emotions just like we digest our food. Emotions left unattended show up later as ailments in the body and wreak havoc on our nervous system.

Essential oils are a great way to help us naturally heal unresolved emotions, however, they cannot do the work for us. I recommend using essential oils during a meditation, before prayer or simply by setting an intention and taking a few moments to slow down your breath.

My mission is to empower women through miscarriage, pregnancy, and motherhood so they can show up standing tall, happy and present, ready to pass on what they've received to other women who are new to the journey.

Below is a list of essential oils to assist in emotional health and wellbeing when dealing with loss or grief. If you have questions on how to get started, please comment below or email me at daisy@sanamentehealth.com

• Anxious/Anxiety: Comforting Blend
• Body Shame: Grapefruit, Patchouli, Jasmine
• Centered: Vetiver, Roman Chamomile
• Comforted: Comforting Blend, Uplifting Blend, Joyful Blend
• Courage: Helichrysum, Ginger, Encouraging Blend, Clove
• Depressed: Joyful Blend, Peppermint, Melissa, Encouraging Blend
• Emotional Pain: Helichrysum, Geranium
• Emptiness: Vetiver, Sandalwood, Arborvitae
• Faith: Anti-Aging Blend, Sandalwood, Arborvitae, Uplifting Blend
• Forgiveness: Thyme, Renewing, Blend, Calming Blend, Geranium
• Grief: Respiratory Blend, Geranium, Lime, Comforting Blend
• Heartbroken: Geranium, Rose
• Loss; Geranium, Ylang Ylang, Comforting Blend
• Sadness: Calming Blend, Ylang Ylang, Geranium, Peppermint, Uplifting Blend, Comforting Blend

Reference Book: Emotions & Essential Oils: A Modern Resource for Healing

Moms & Self-Care: Luxury or Mandatory?

I had a fantastic conversation this morning with speaker, author and former Director of Training for Jack Canfield, Robert MacPhee! Take a listen as we discuss the critical role self-care plays in a child's life and ultimately, in their achievement of joy and happiness.

Click here to listen

Robert and I met in Utah while on business training with one of my favorite coaches, Tiffany Peterson. He was one of the presenters and I found myself completely fascinated by his message on raising happy children, something every parent in the room could resonate with. Even more so, I found that his target audience (parents) was right in line with my goals as an influencer, and I could  really get behind his style of training that, simply put, practices mentoring and modeling versus teaching and preaching. This begged the question in my mind; what kind of person do you want your son to model? What kind of mentor do you want to be? It stopped me in my tracks since I'd never thought of it from that perspective... who do I want to be for Zolín? Eager to clarify my role as a mother, mentor, and model, I felt this huge responsibility to share with other parents as well.

So here we are! Robert and I are thrilled to be sharing this awareness with you, the reader and listener. I am grateful for the clarity I've been given and the very intentional path I'm on to raise our son. I wish nothing more than for you to have that, too.

I have to tell you, it's pretty awesome to be 2° of separation from Jack Canfield :) Here's what Jack has to say about Robert's work:

"Robert MacPhee is a talented speaker and facilitator, capable of delivering a wide range of content which can be either supremely practical and action oriented or more deep and spiritual in nature. His presentation style is highly engaging and always humorous and entertaining. His workshops, seminars, and speeches are all powerful and instantly applicable. I have seen over and over again how people instantly resonate with his approach.” – Jack Canfield

To learn more about my work with moms or schedule a complimentary Self-Care Awareness session, contact me or visit www.SanaMenteHealth.com // For more information on Robert's work with - visit ExcellentDecisions.com or watch this short video below.


In health & love,
Daisy De La Cruz

Instagram: @hey_dais
Facebook: @SanaMenteHealth

Make LOVE Your Language

In light of our 3 year anniversary this week (and the very obvi theme this month :) I’d like to focus on relationships with your plus one.

I've mentioned before that at IIN, we focus on Primary Foods which are Relationships, Career, Spirituality and Physical Activity. Secondary Foods are anything else that goes on our plate. So, let’s say you love your job, eat your greens, hit the gym and pray or meditate – whatever gets you closer to a higher being, but come home or have to deal with a tumultuous relationship full of resentment and anger. You don’t see eye-to-eye and there is constant tension around you. Your body, as healthy as you may think it is, is producing a high dose of the stress hormone, cortisol. According to Psychology Today, cortisol is not to be taken lightly. "Scientists have known for years that elevated cortisol levels: interfere with learning and memory, lower immune function and bone density, increase weight gain, blood pressure, cholesterol, heart disease... Chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels also increase risk for depression, mental illness, and lower life expectancy..." 

As a health coach, my job is to help you see through the fog so you can balance the Relationship part of your Primary Foods and work towards being your happiest self. 

I’m a huge fan of personal development; literature and in-person development are a constant in our home. A great book to read on this topic is 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman. We all know communication is key, but love-language communication is, I believe, absolutely instrumental.

If you find yourself out of balance in this area, I not only encourage you and your other half to read 5 Love Languages, but also to take the quiz (here) and make time to discuss your findings. 

All relationships take work, but lifetime relationships take an extra special "umph" to make work. Before you get started, know that in the eyes of God, we are all innocent beings and - that the ego has no place here. As always, if you need help in getting started - contact me for a free consultation.  

In health & love, 

Daisy

Romans 5: 3-5 

"And not only this, but [with joy] let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance; 

 and endurance, proven character (spiritual maturity); and proven character, hope and confident assurance [of eternal salvation]. 

Such hope [in God’s promises] never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us."

Love Thy Self

One of the things that continues to reinforce my decision to pursue a new career is the fact that Health is so much more than the food we eat. In school, we learn about Primary Foods that come before the actual food on our plate. Those are; Relationships, Career, Spirituality and Physical Activity.

As an Integrative Health Coach, I work to bring awareness, empowerment and guidance by helping you achieve your goals- in all 4 areas. There is no right or wrong way to get started in addressing your health, but I prefer to start with Relationships. 

Relationships are instrumental to everyday life, no matter how much of an introvert you feel you are. When you take everyone else out of the equation, you are still left with a relationship with Yourself. Loving, honoring and respecting yourself needs to be at the top of your priority list, every. single. day.

Louise Hay says "When people start to love themselves more each day, it’s amazing how their lives get better. They feel better. They get the jobs they want. They have the money they need. Their relationships either improve, or the negative ones dissolve and new ones begin."

In my personal life, I know that when my relationship with my Self is off, everything is off. My morning routine, diet, work, relationship with others, etc. It's an awful downward spiral that, if I'm not present to, can send me into a day-in, day-out fog-like state. A place where I'm simply existing and not living.

Has this ever happened to you? If so, I'd like to point out that there is nothing wrong here; the first step is acknowledgement and the second is to increase that awareness. When moments like this take over, I recommend taking purposeful, quiet time to sit with that uncertainty and face it head-on. Because I'm a huge fan/advocate of essential oils and their healing properties- here's a bonus tip: place a few drops of Bergamot essential oil in a diffuser or on your hands and inhale deeply before you begin.

Once you've settled in, ask yourself: Where am I feeling out of line? In which areas of my life do I feel "stuck" in? Where am I cause in the matter? What can I do to move forward? Who do I need to talk to or clear things up with? Where am I at a loss of power? There are a number of questions that- when answered honestly- can bring a lot of clarity and a plan of action.

If this is all overwhelming and you don't know where to start, that's okay too. I am offering free health assessments this month. If you'd like more information, comment below.

On the other hand, if you're feeling completely aligned and at peace with who you are, ask yourself - what can I do to experience more of this? and, How can I help others experience the joy I feel? I can tell you with certainty that becoming a health coach has allowed me to be that person for others and I am extremely grateful. If you'd like to know more about my school, comment below for a sample class.

In health and love,
Daisy

Proverbs 19:8 To acquire wisdom is to love oneself; people who cherish understanding will prosper.

Honor Generations Before You With More Than a Diploma

Last week, my husband came home from a financial conference, eager to share his new found knowledge. As I listened to all of this great information pour out of him, one powerful quote stuck with me and I can’t shake it off. He said “...Why is it that a single mother can raise 3, 4 or 6 kids, but 6 kids can’t provide for their mother." Shit. How’s that for a rude awakening?

I’m going to let my husband chime in here and tell you the rest, it's pretty good stuff so pay attention:

As second generation Latinos, we are greatly indebted to our parents; sadly, many of us think that debt can be repaid with a diploma and career. This couldn’t be further from the truth and here’s why:

Can you imagine leaving everything you know, to move to a foreign country where you don’t speak the language, many times – completely alone, with a sack full of clothes, risking your life for just a glimpse of what you imagine could be a better life for your family? Many wouldn’t dare entertain the thought. Our parents came here with a vision of freedom and prosperity, and were ready to literally break their back so that their children and children’s children wouldn’t have to. When you think about the perseverance, resolve and selfless-love they have - it becomes clear - a simple diploma couldn't possibly do any justice, but it’s a start.

Changing your family tree and creating a legacy continues with you and me. The journey of freedom and a better life didn’t end with our parent’s arrival and sacrifice; we have to continue to build that empire they envisioned decades ago. This is no small task. In order to provide for previous and future generations, we need to be purposeful in gaining financial, spiritual and psychological freedom, in order to pass along fruitful resources. How can you justify living paycheck to paycheck? Are you investing in your future? How are you gifting financial freedom to those you love? Snapchat, Facebook and Twitter don’t have the answer. That old and tired song "the rich keep getting richer" is just an excuse; surely you can learn what they know about money if you really wanted to, right? It's one thing to ride the "you don't know what you don't know" wave.  It's another to be lazy.

Follow the ambition of the trailblazers before you. Think of this as a never ending relay where the baton is passed on from generation to generation; we have to start taking massive risk like the generations before us. I truly feel that, if you don’t take a big chance on life, you're not only doing our Latino heroes a disservice- but more importantly you're putting your own family at a disadvantage to achieving true freedom.

We also have to keep in mind that if we don’t pass down this champion mentality, this cycle of conformity will continue. How do we expect our own children to look out for us or others if we're not doing the same? Do you think this is something they're going to learn with their heads buried in their electronics? I'm sorry to disappoint but it's not likely to happen. We learn behaviors from those we admire. (And those we influence are always watching).

Start thinking and acting with the big picture in mind, take large risk in your professional and personal life to become financially independent but more importantly, be intentional about changing the path your family is on- just like your parents did before you. For my wife and I, this currently means guiding our parents into retirement; their golden years! For most 1st generation immigrants in this country – it’s safe to say they don’t know the first thing about receiving their dues. Who’s going to teach them? That is up to you, my friend. Set them up for success. They’ve done it for you, now it’s your turn.

Knowledge is not power. Knowledge is potential power; what you do with it is up to you.

-Osbaldo Alonzo
Twitter: @ozz_ito

---

Ummm, how amazing is he?! And how luck am I?! Honoring generations before us can be as small and simple as: helping them use technology, guiding and connecting them with relatives on social media, using Google to search for a recipe, something they saw on Univision or whatever they want.

To share more profound knowledge, learn and teach them about investment opportunities, how to maximize their 401K, stocks, bonds... The beautiful thing is that - all of this information is good for you and your children, too!

Love your parents beyond words. It would be a pity to regret when its too late.

If you'd like to know more about investments, 401K, life insurance, etc. contact me and I can put you in touch with this savvy man right here.

-Daisy De La Cruz de Alonzo
Twitter: @hey_dais

Mis dos amores

The Decision to Drink The Juice

10/1/15 Update: I now drink doTERRA juice

Earlier this year, I made the decision to become an entrepreneur for the second time (like I didn't learn my lesson the first time, right?) lol. Definitely venturing off into uncharted waters and pushing my comfort zone to the limit. But again, I've made a decision to make this work, so there is no turning back.

I was introduced to a network marketing company by the name of Arbonne 4 years ago. I was running my own marketing business at the time, and met this lovely woman at a networking event I was hosting. She asked me out to lunch so we could learn more about each other and I agreed. 

While at lunch I quickly realized I was being pitched to. I was a little upset and felt misguided because (I thought) this wasn't a "real" business, and now - I was an hour behind on my "real" work. At the end of her presentation, she asked if I was interested in joining her team. I couldn't possibly tell her how I really felt about the business, however, I did love the product mantra and what they stood by. I politely declined, but I did agree to introduce her to people in my network and even host a party for her. I'm grateful my introductions lead Arbonne to be the leading sponsor of Latino Fashion Week in the year that followed.  

At that point in time, network marketing was a joke to me. I mean, (insert snooty voice) I went to college! I had a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Advertising and Communications. There's no way I was going to be peddling products, no matter how 'green' they were. I'm not a sales person. Besides, a few close friends and family had already given this kind of business a shot and had nothing to show for it. This doesn't work. I was often (aggressively) asked to join other skin care companies from strangers on the street, and worst of all - my parents were talked into refinancing their home, all for the sake of someone's commission -when they had no business doing so. I wasn't going to be THAT person. 

So what the heck happened? Why did I drink the juice? Well, it was a combination of things that lead me to that defining moment.

First, while I didn't join Arbonne that one day over lunch, I did begin a friendship with that lovely woman. Beneen was never pushy, always respectful, kind, understanding and genuine. Completely different from any other network marketer I met before. As we kept in touch over the years, I realized - this really is a business and it really does work. She was the only living proof I had that you actually can make it, you can win trips, you can be successful! While I was working long and tiring days, she was enjoying them at the luxury of her own schedule. I secretly envied that...but it would still take  some time and convincing before I could pour me a glass. 

Second reason. The birth of my son. All the clichés are true; once you have a baby - your entire world changes. Your priorities change. Your heart quadruples in size and everything you do, every decision you make - is with them in mind. I went back to work after an 11 week maternity leave, not because I wanted to - but because my FMLA was coming to an end. It was one of the toughest things I had to do; handing my son over to the arms of a stranger gave me so much anxiety. I lost sleep and cried for days leading up to that moment. And it didn't help that the first day of daycare was a complete and utter disaster due to neglect. (Which I can't even get into right now without my blood pressure rising). My maternal instincts were on high alert and I just couldn't bare to miss out on so much. 

I tried to find comfort by reading articles and blogs on moms that go back to work after baby. But the only encouragement I found was "it gets easier with time". I just couldn't accept this as a final answer.  I had to find a better way.

Just 4 years after I gave Beneen a hard "no", I found myself having lunch with her again, only this time, with my baby in tow, scrambling for ideas that would grant me time and financial freedom. By now, I was making a 3 hour commute (a day) just so I could rest assured my son was in good hands. I had very little sleep (aside from tending to his needs) and was completely passionless in my corporate position. My career became a job overnight. My only passion, was, is, my son.

I don't believe in having regrets. Life is much too short to dwell on the past. However, I'll be the first to admit that I am ashamed of my behavior, mindset and immaturity back then. In these past four years- I wish I had been more open minded about such an incredible opportunity. One that will allow me to enjoy my son, family and personal and financial freedom as I wish. As before, many things aligned for me in order to take that leap, and I'm soooo glad I did! There is no "luck"or magic sauce in this business. It takes learning skills, dedication and the DECISION to succeed, no matter what the masses say about you. I've been so blessed with an incredible mentor and hell of a team - that reinforces my decision to be successful. I've also read a lot of books and seen great documentaries that reaffirm network marketing truly is a better way. 

If you've ever found yourself even the slightest bit curious about joining a network marketing company, I encourage you to take a sip. Start with this video with one of my favorite authors, Eric Worre interviewing one of my favorite life coaches Tony Robbins on The Power Of Network Marketing.

And to those who are sipping away without raising your glass, let's CHEER together! I can't tell you how many times I'm in the middle of presenting my business to someone, and low and behold - they secretly own a network marketing business too! Doubt and confidence cannot coexist. OWN your decision. Stand up tall and be proud of the life-changing opportunity you hold. If you don't feel it in your heart, take some time to find your WHY. Your "why" will guide you to your "how", and the rest will surely follow. 

The Power of Vision

I've gotten to experience some pretty amazing things in my 30 years of life. Some may call it "luck" - I call it pure manifestation. I must admit though, it wasn't until I was about 24 that I began to realize the things in my life that were happening, were no accident. If you ever doubted the power of intention or the law of attraction, there may be hope for you written in these words.

To my believers, dreamers and goal achievers; I'd like to share with you some experiences that could not have been possible without a premeditated vision.

Becoming an Entrepreneur: I was looking through old boxes the other day, and I found a project I developed in my entrepreneurship class while in college. It talked about this boutique company that offered PR, event planning and marketing to the fabulous world of fashion named De La Croix. At the time, I created the business with a location in Coconut Grove, Miami. And basically it was going to be the shit. Heavens knows how I was going to build this magical company with no money or years of experience, but I was certain in my heart I was going to do it. Just one year after I graduated college while scouring craigslist for a job, I accepted that "magical" opportunity, and opened those doors, not in Miami as planned, but in the heart of Chicago, and not to any fashion icon or store, but to many meaningful businesses and non-profits. Many things took place before the moment where I said "yes!" and took the leap that turned me into a business owner. Again, some may call it "luck" or being "at the right place at the right time" - but I mean, seriously - what are the odds of that happening to a 23 year old? And isn't being in the right place at the right time part of a universal plan anyway?  Operating De La Croix Media Group was one of the most difficult and rewarding times of my young adult life. And while I am no longer running this company, I am incredibly grateful for the 3.5 year we had, the projects we created and the lives we've changed.

Traveling the World: In 2011, while DLC Media was still in business, I decided it was going to travel far and wide. Again, I didn't have that kind of money and I didn't know how I was going to do it, but my intention and belief was so strong, that it lead me to having one of the best travel experiences of my life- almost immediately after my intention was set. (For free!) Yea, trust me, I know how that sounds, but its true!

First was my trip to Kenya, Africa - which was without a doubt the most defining out of these experiences. The universe aligned itself for me, and through a non-profit organization, offered me a free- (government grant) to fly abroad and teach Kenyan entrepreneurs Marketing 101 for 2 weeks. Because the opportunity was so grand, I stayed almost the entire month and visited the countryside, went on 2 safaris, explored the city of Nairobi, the slums of Kibera, and the breathtaking beaches and city of Mombasa. During this time, I also went to our nations capital (for free), through another program. In the years that followed, I  reconnected with family in Texas, went sky diving in San Diego and traveled to Hong Kong and Bali with my best friend for my 28th birthday. I discovered the beauty of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Mexico - and visited the most inspiring museum: La Casa de Frida Khalo in Coyoacán. My fiance and I married in Isla de Vieques, Puerto Rico, we had our "baby moon" in Costa Rica, and just 4 months after our son was born, traveled to the Dominican Republic and shortly after to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

I wont say that everything on that list was free - because it wasn't, and I'm not filthy rich by any means. But somehow, all of my travels seemed to be within reach of my budget. Also, in my wanderlust adventures, my mantra has been to travel as a local, not a tourist; to give back and experience total culture immersion. I am so blessed to say I have accomplished that in each of my travels.  Currently, my intention is to travel at least 4 times a year with my family. Here's what that looks like for me:

• To explore a new state in Mexico
• To explore a new Latin American Country
• To explore an Asian or Middle Eastern Country
• To visit somewhere I've never been, here in the states 

I have no doubt in my mind I will make this, and everything else on my vision board happen.

I've taken the time to write this because I want to encourage you to do the same! There is real power in setting aside quality concentration time to figure out what it is you want out of life. This past weekend, I had the privilege of co-hosting a vision board workshop with ConsciousXplorer at the FABULOUS studio  space of Trigger Chicago. We gathered, shared our vision and proclaimed our intentions to each other, and each of us walked away feeling taller and more confident about our decision to succeed and goal achieve. 

What excited you? What gets you out of bed in the morning? What do you want to be when you "grow up"?  All the experts will agree, there truly is no limit. "What the mind can conceive and believe it can achieve"- Napoleon Hill.  

Give yourself the gift of vision, take action and enjoy this thing called life!

Scuba Diving in the Indian ocean

Henna by my friend Halima Hassan 

Camel riding on Diani Beach, Mombasa

My dear Masai friend, Ole Nkooya

The brightest faces I've ever been greeted with! Kenya  

Some of my accomplishments while running DLC Media Group

Sky diving in San Diego!

Rice Paddy fields in Bali, Indonesia

Exploring Hong Kong

Sunrise Dolphin watching in Bali

In Frida Kahlo's Art Studio! 

Jungle adventures in Costa Rica

Black Sand Beach in Isla de Vieques

Enjoying the most breathtaking private beach in Costa Rica

Rain forest trekking in Costa Rica

Punta Cana, República Dominicana

Visiting el Faro de Colón in Santo Domingo DR

My SUN, enjoying the sand in Cabo San Lucas

Allow Me to Reintroduce Myself

Reflecting on the "about me" page I created ufff, desde cuando, I find myself amazed at the person I was then to the one I am now. This blog was started in the early winter months of 2013. I was a newly engaged woman, with the whole world ahead of my fiancé and I. I have to admit, I enjoy going back and reading the posts I've shared. It takes me back to "simpler" times lol. I even found a draft post I didn't get to publish on what I had yet to accomplish before my big 3-0.

I consider myself well traveled, creative and blessed beyond measure with friends and family most people only dream of. But there's something missing...

Since my last entry in Jan '14, I've had several ups and a few downs. The big moments I anticipated (getting married, turning 30) came and went -  but the most life-altering moment I had yet to experience, came with the birth of my son, Zolin. He's close to 10 months old now. And I still can't find the words that capture his amazingness and what he means to me. I'm the mom that sleep-stares lol. I honestly can't believe he's mine sometimes.

What I thought I knew about love can't even compare to the love I know now. I find myself striving to become a better person, for him. To be more ambitious, for him. More patient, for him. To live purposefully, for him. And though he may never truly know how much of an inspiration he is to me, I will die a happy mom if he simply strives to do the same as a person.

So, does this make me a mommy blogger? Not exactly. It just means you get a more mature version of me. You get Daisy 2.0.

Oh, and the thing that's "missing"... well, we're just going to have to figure that out together.

A quote by my soul sister at ConsciousXPlorer 

Yay Hiatus?

My, how time flies.

I run this blog along with another - and took a break from both to sort-of catch my breath. However, I didn't I didn't think it was THAT long of a break! So much has happened since my last entry (in January of 2014). Pretty amazing how life evolves and how much change takes place, in a short year and a half.

Definitely needed soul-searching time. Now that that has been fulfilled, I'm ready to get back in my groove and share more thoughts and inspiration.

So yay hiatus! Thank you for the mental break.

Costa Rica // Pura Vida

Top Five Regrets of the Dying

I recently watched this clip on TED Talks Life Hacks with Jane McGonigal, a young game designer. It took me a good 5 minutes to warm up to her, and when I did – I just couldn't get enough of her. Her message was right on point and very powerful. It’s eerie to imagine what may go through someone’s mind on their death bed... In her talk, she brought the subject to light with a very eye opening list; the perfect opportunity for us to stop what we are doing and look at our current state in life. Are we happy with who we are /who we are becoming? What’s the point in all of this if we are not happy?

In her speech, she also makes mention that the top five regrets of the dying are also the top accomplishments of those that have experienced a life-changing/traumatic event. Is that what it takes for us to seize the day? Why wait?

Here are the top 5 regrets of the dying:

1. I wish I hadn’t worked so hard
2. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends
3. I wish I had let myself be happier
4. I wish I had the courage to express my true self
5. I wish I had lived a life true to my dreams, instead of what others expected of me

Which of these five do you associate yourself with at this very moment? What can you do to course correct the direction of your life? 

'If you don't like where you are, move. You are not a tree.' 

1. You don't HAVE to work like a dog. Find something you love doing, even if its for an hour or two a day.
2. Social media has made it incredibly easy for us to keep in touch with our loved ones, but how about a phone call? Or better yet - face time? REAL physical face time. How many times have you said "we should get together sometime!" ? Do it.
3. Being happy means different things to different people. Don't let someone elses defenition of happiness define yours. What makes you smile? What brings you peace? What makes you forget you have any troubles at all?
4. Being your true self means standing up for something that may go against the grain. Having the courage to go one direction when the masses go the other. Not being a follower. Here is another snippet from TED on what being a leader (or expressing ones true self)- looks like. Even the simplest notions count. 
5. There is no polite way to say this: FUCK what others "expect of you." This is such BS! Living up to someone else's expectations is a trap!! You are your OWN person. You were born to be an individual, not a replica of someones "ideal" you. 

Thank you for your speech, Jane. 

-Dais

Currently On Hiatus

Over the last 6-9 months, I've taken a huge step back on my go, go, go lifestyle. Ever since I was a college student, I always had 100 things to do, morning, noon and night. At one point I was working FT as an office manager, going to school FT, worked as a hostess PT, and took dance lessons- making virtually no time for me. I was in my late teens/early 20’s so I had energy to spare.

In 2009 I co-founded a marketing firm here in Chicago; my first time owning a business. You know they say owning a business is a lot of work? They lied. It’s ALL work. Every waking moment is work. You are always thinking of either your clients, ways to improve, ways to sell, problems to solve- I mean, its life consuming. I always envisioned myself owning my own business as a teen, so this- for me, was a dream come true. I didn’t mind doing the work or staying at the office until 10pm or 11pm sometimes. It was MY business, and I had to take care of it.

Networking for me and on behalf of my company made a huge difference in my career. I think it’s a tremendous skill to polish; if you don’t have time, make time! I started networking in college, thanks to Mr. Gramillano. While in business, I would often find myself networking 3 – 4 times a week at after-work events, luncheons, breakfast roundtables-  you name it. I networked far and wide with professionals in and out of my industry, local chambers and political figures. Aside from in-person networking, I would network heavily online too. I knew I was making an impact when people I had never met would approach me at an event or on the street and say “Hey! You’re Daisy, right? We’re friends on Facebook/LinkedIn/Twitter!” or "Hey! I saw you at the theater/restaurant/train..." While it was kinda cool, It became a little scary too… you never knew who was watching.

On top of networking, I was serving on committees, advisory boards, mentoring and volunteering - not because anyone made me, but because I genuinely wanted to be involved and give back to my community. Needless to say, all of this mingling wore me out cold.  I never had time to make myself a proper lunch or dinner, I always eating on the run. I didn't have time to workout- I would leave the house really early or get home too exhausted to lift a finger. Mentally, I thought I was on the right track, but truth be told, I was burning myself out and fast!

I had to take a step back and analyze my situation but most importantly, my health. I started my hiatus last August when I realized I was burning myself out for things I didn’t really believe in anymore. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE marketing and the field I have chosen, but the pieces weren’t adding up. My inner voice tried to tell me several times but I was too busy trying to keep up with it all; I never took the time to listen. I was networking with the wrong crowd and working for the wrong clients. What I really wanted to do with my future career was not here; I would need to reinvent myself- but first- I needed to take care of myself. I needed my sanity back and I desperately needed to find a healthy work/life balance.

It took a giant disconnection for me to think clearly. And there is nothing wrong with that. I’m neither a quitter nor a failure- I am human. I am changing the way I was doing business for me :) To say the last 3 and a half years were good to me is an understatement. As crazy as they were, I met so many amazingly talented people and learned more than I could ever imagine. If I had to do it all over again, the changes I'd make would be minor. I am where I am today because of my successes and mistakes. I was definitely on the fast track to something big... but that (big) wasn't the right fit for me.

Life is far too valuable to waste on something you don’t enjoy doing. Sometimes you have to give yourself permission and say "It’s okay, stop and smell the roses. We'll revisit this later."

Celebrating my first year in business

 -Dais