Little Known Facts About Gratitude And Why They Matter

I started to go within and seek out questions about where my life is at this current moment and where it's been and I must say it's been a roller coaster of a ride!

This blog is simply to say THANK YOU! to the people that have supported me and continue to support me in my endeavors. I'm a "Solopreneur" and even though we get to work by ourselves and make our own choices how to go about our business I can't help but to thank each and everyone. It's through the amazing people we have in our lives that we feel we can climb heights! :)

A couple of years ago my life was very different and I have to pinch myself right now as we speak not because I have it all figured out or because I'm a Millionaire but because life would of went totally the opposite direction. When we are at our weakest is when we need God, our families, friends, neighbors, pets etc... in our lives to strengthen us.

This blog is to each and every person that has walked into my life and hold a special meaning in my heart. Every favor, assistance, helping hand, advice has been of great service to me. Strangers become friends and friends become family and it only gets better from here on out.

Thank your family, friends, acquaintances that have helped you be where you are at right now as a token of appreciation. I sincerely have heart for each and everyone.

I've said it before not many females would of made it this far however I do understand indeed I'm a strong female and the support is greatly appreciated.

I used to work as a longshoreman (woman) at the dangerous Ports Of Los Angeles/Long Beach for 10 years. I was blessed to not get hurt while I was working down there but I've seen many injuries and heard of heartbreaking injuries as well. 

And as I think what I've done to make good money $$$ I don't regret it. I was able to learn Leadership skills which is valuable in today's life. When I think about what I had to go through just to work out in the docks I shake my head. I must of really wanted that job really bad as I was willing to do anything to get in there. I was picked through a lottery pool drawing and just because you get chosen does not mean your in. You still have to go through rigorous testing and a written math test. Ugh math! (I passed though) :)

Talk about hunger games! 

Container lashing poles secured 

Never had I experienced anything quite like it. My body was not prepared for it and got injured as I thought I was ready for the test. Boy was I wrong! Had to train to pass the test and at that time had just arrived from Phoenix, AZ needed a job and money was something I lacked. I remember my family helping me in getting steel toe shoes to 20 lb heavy arm bell weights. I practiced daily to have enough upper strength to take the test. It really helped a lot but the test was still difficult.

Have you ever been criticized or someone not believing in you that you have what it takes to do a job? 

Well I remember as I was taking this rigorous test 2 powerful men in HQ were watching us and one said Oh, she is not going to do it! too slow!  We only had 13 minutes to hang ridiculous heavy bars a set of 10 I believe. Not sure the number as it's been a while but there were plenty of bars.

As soon as I heard the man say that something in me FIRED ME UP! and gave me the strength to go hard! In my mind I was saying Oh, I'll show you! It was soo weird as I haven't experienced anything like it. The body is amazing! When it's provoked it switches into survival mode! :) 

I proved them wrong and I passed the test and their face was priceless ha! :)  I still can't believe what I did but that's part of working for a blue-collar job that pays well. That has been the hardest thing I've ever done physically! There are some guys/men that couldn't pass the test but were able to re-take the test. It's all about physical endurance.

And so in order to achieve my goals which were to pass all 3 tests to be officially a casual longshoreman I had to have my family's support in which they did and I am very GREATFUL! :)

What are you Greatful for today? Did you overcome a challenge and had people cheering you on? 

Think about those things. It's in those times that we are thankful and greatful to be alive! :) 

Had it not been for my special people I would not be here writing this blog and for that I am full of Love. XOXO! 

With Much Love
Laura 
XO! 

Why A Phoenix Rises From The Ashes And What Can We All Learn...

When I first heard my sis needed a cat sitter out in the mountains for a week and asked me if I can help her out I said Yes! I need to get away from the city anyways and need a much needed rest out in nature J  Little did I know it was about to become a fiery situation! I don’t watch the news if I need to hear the latest and greatest I just log into facebook :)

So, the plan was to be in the San Bernadino Mountains for a week and prior to leaving my brother texts me and tells me “Did you hear about the fires in the mountains?” I said seriously? Texted my sister and she said yes but it’s not near where they live… I could of said No, I can’t cat sit due to "fear" but I didn’t let it get to me and when I agree to something I follow through...

I had already planned on traveling to the mountains and was so excited that I had post it in every social media platform. One thing I learned is not everybody shares your happiness and we need to know when to curve our enthusiasm as others can’t or have the same opportunities to do this due to work, money or other situations…

The odd thing is that the week prior I heard Joel Osteen talk about walking through the fire... Could it been a message I needed to hear as I would be walking through it? Not sure! But the message really helped me prepare for what would occur in the mountains. I’ve never encountered anything like it and fear got to me a little when my sis drew a map and plan how to evacuate should it be required (the kitty and I)

Joel Osteen Quotes On Being Fireproof :)

I was struggling with mindset as all I kept hearing was the fires and how fast it was spreading like wildfires and only 6% contained. Only 6%? Yikes! It had already arrived partly in Lake Arrowhead, CA which is super close to Crestline. So what do I do? I pray and read about fear and how to overcome darts of fire. I started to have an AHA! moment because not so recently I was dunked in water as a commitment to God and was told the enemy is not happy so stay alert! Awareness is key.

When we have overcome a spiritual warfare it shoots darts of fire like vengeance! But knowing me I prayed and asked God to release his angels north, south, east and west. I’m a passionately prayer warrior and when I pray it’s game on! 

I knew it was a battle of the mind. They say “Character reveals adversity” and I was tested alright! So, I had to replace thoughts of fear with faith and knowing that this too shall pass. Focusing on the outcome and expecting nothing but a successful outcome not for me but for the kitty, our community, neighborhood and the wildlife.

So how did I overcome thoughts of fear with faith? I JUST DID. There was no other choice. Just as a child doesn’t think about fear they continue to play with their toys, puzzles I had to keep focusing on the things I wanted to bring to pass. And so we were pretty adventurers (my sister and friends)  we decided to visit Arrowhead Lake even though there were fires… The lake and mansions we seen were not targeted at that time and we had an enjoyable time and made sure my focus was solely on what my LIFE would be living in the lake with boats and mansion with elevators.

"WE CAN ALL DREAM, CAN WE?"

  
Here are some pics of the Beautiful Mansions with elevators and Lake View In Arrowhead. :)

When you change your environment and surround yourself around beauty it helps a lot! 

"WHAT FIRES?"

I believe the media can exaggerate and so we must remain grounded. Keep doing what your suppose to do and don’t let fear get to you. Don’t freeze. GREATFUL!  the fires didn’t effect us whatsoever but it did to other communities in the mountains. The firemen did an amazing job containing it pretty quick the following day.  Good thing I am home now and it’s such a relief to be near the ocean.  

It’s said we have more negative than positive thoughts and so we must work hard in replacing negativity with positivity. What you focus on grows. I really believe if it wasn’t for praying and without a doubt thinking positive who knows the outcome…

Fire or Rain…. Just Go Through! 

It’s Acceleration And Growth Time!

XO!

Laura :)

'I really shouldn't but I will anyway"

           The Language of relationship

What makes the PASSION advantage and where are these passionate people at?

Passion makes our hearts beat and our emotions rise. It excites us and encourages. It cheerleads and plays. It inspires us and intoxicates us. It flirts. When you communicate with passion you make people feel like they can do more, be more and become more. 

People that effectively speak the language of relationships, on some level other people will fall in love with you! XOXOXO

Does your brand inspire and motivate others to connect with you?

A PASSION brand is; 

• EXPRESSIVE (vivid words, colors and images)
• OPTOMISTIC ( are the "life is good" brands. They bring out the best by how good things can be, making us want to jump with both feet)
• SENSORY (engages with our senses)
• WARM  (passion brands wrap us up in warm blankets and serves us hot cocoa)
• SOCIAL (these brands make us want to share and participate in conversations)

On a personal level I'm a PASSION Advantage and use the word "Wow' a lot when I find out something exciting! I use hand signals when speaking, colorful words and action. It's difficult to not be expressive or engaging when your passionate it's as if it's in your blood. 

One prime example of passion is Marilyn Monroe! She communicated with openness. Her voice was soft, feminine and very whispering. She was known as the "wet voice". When we see something we want to eat, when we receive praise, and even when we hug our children, our mouths literally water. Our mouths produce more saliva. Our tongue moves more fluidly within the mucous membranes of our mouth creating oral wetness. (Page 91 Fascinate Book 2016) 

So, where would you find these passionate people? At sport games, traveling, eating, amusement parks, concerts, clubs.... 

Who are they? They wear clothing with hearts or the word "LOVE" they love hershey kisses chocolates, they love to laugh, dance, sing, take selfies, joke around, excite you, surprise you, they are creative and put lust before logic. 

On the less positive side: Passionate peeps attract stalkers, obsession from others, are seen egotistical, immature, child-like...

Your GOAL is to attract fanatical fans and pull your audience closer. (Marketing) turn transactions into attraction! 

In a nutshell these are some traits of the PASSION Brand and how to distinguish it or them. 

Desire how to use the trigger passion in your business to attract loyal fans? Go to http://laurapreneur.onlinesalespro.com/businessinquiry77

To your relationships <3

Are Vacays Needed?

This past weekend I went on vacation to pet sit my sister’s and brother in-law’s cat named “Honey” She is adorable and loving. Hence the name “Honey” and I am her buzz! :-)

As I spent my time there I was able to find balance and look within, meditate, pray, eat balanced meals, hike in nature and enjoy the rain. Not only did I really enjoy my time alone but on sunday got to spend it with my sis and brother in law in church service and the message was pretty inspiring. Many have different beliefs and this blog is not to change anyone’s beliefs but to share thoughts I got inspired by.

Lots of times we find excuses as to why we can’t do something or get caught up why our plans are not perfect.... and if they're not we are not moving... 

And sunday’s message was simply that we can’t wait or find an excuse as to why we can’t do something we have talents for. For example needing proof of education, a bachelor degree, special education, special training, years of experience etc…

It really spoke to my heart because I used to think if I have more education then I can land a better job, a better career when in fact today it doesn’t matter as much as before. In the book of Corinthians (Chapter 3) it asks us Do we pat ourselves on the back, insisting on our credentials, asserting our authority? We don’t need letters of endorsement, either to you or from you. You yourselves are all the endorsements you need.

Your very lives are a letter that anyone can read by just looking at you. God himself wrote it not with ink but with God’s living spirit, not chiseled into stone, but carved into human lives and we publish it. We couldn’t be more sure of ourselves than YOU, written by God are our letter of recommendation. We wouldn’t think of writing this kind of letter about ourselves Only God can write such a letter.

His letter authorizes us to help carry out this new plan of action. The plan wasn’t written out with ink on paper, with pages and pages of legal footnotes, killing your spirit. His life on our lives.

An excerpt was given of “Paul” in the bible and he was teaching to the people and other’s also wanted to teach and had credentials and were presenting them yet when Paul was asked what about his credentials he stated he didn’t need to show any credentials as God’s endorsement was enough. He didn’t think highly of himself, he was confident in his abilities, experience and talents God breathed into him. No paper proof was needed.

And so I ask had any idea, career goal, plan stopped you from pursuing it because the competition seems pretty thick? Because you may feel lacking experience? Or better yet comparisons robbing you of your joy or confidence? Think again….

As a (student for life) I love to learn and open to opportunities when they are presented to me. Before I thought I’d have to have formal education to land a great job! I found out the hard way I didn’t need it but I can say it’s an addition to what I’ve learned and can use it with my coaching practice. I completed a 6 month coaching/leadership class and although it didn’t land me the job I wanted and more education was required on top of that and college education I wonder would I be kicking myself for listening. Would I be happy at that job with all the education needed? Probably not. Not fond of 9-5 job and it would have been foolish to accept the offer after all the education. When I found out Enterpreneurs were coaching online in social media where all the eyeballs are at and with no credentials whatsoever however they’ve mastered social media that’s when a lightbulb appeared!

See, we don’t need further education. You can learn as you go! Make mistakes, dust yourself and get back up. You adapt as you go. If someone wants to see my certificate I would be more than happy to upload it but there is no need to do it. God is sufficient in my life and the only credential needed not a piece of paper that states I’m worthy to teach or coach.

Reason why I was fired up about this subject was because I was asked from (my motivators) to prove credentials for my teaching which I never did because as a Catalyst I know better. This is what inspired me about this subject. Had I known this earlier on I would of responded correctly but God has timing for everything and now I know.

So when it comes down to it titles are pretty impressive but ultimately it's the results behind the title. If your just starting out its understandable not to be a one hit wonder (it will take consistency & time) but if you've held a title for years & no results it's time to get real!

Lift the Veil Friends :)

An Exclusive Tip For You! :)

What happens when you hear the words "Power Position?"  Do you automatically think Leadership? In charge? Independent? As John C. Maxwell writes

"Leaders have the ability to help people see the light. Leaders have hope and in order to Lead you must be open not closed" (Quote) 

When you think of an open door do you automatically assume "Open For Business?"  Well you should and I will tell you why...

I learned from Kate Northrup (Enterpreneur, Author, Speaker) about the concept of leaving your door open when it comes to opportunities. Décor matters. Cute décor matters however powerful décor is game changing! I will explain a little further in hope it  can help anyone with limiting opportunities or feeling stuck. 

Question? How is your desk aligned? Is it facing the wall? Is it facing a stereo? Is it facing a window? Do you have your back towards the door? All of this matters and this is the secret sauce many don't know and wonder why they can't attract opportunities. If your good with your business, job, career, hobby ect… then by all means this is not a blog for you to read (just being real)

However…

If you feel stuck and would like to attract opportunities you are in control of then continue reading my friends :) See, when I started to apply "Your Power Position" in my career things started happening… I began to attract plenty of opportunities only dilemma was choosing the right opportunity (That is something that can't be taught but acted upon you only)

So, how does this work you might say? Well first of all it starts with creating plenty of space and by that I mean opening your front door from your office and facing looking out. Sit with your back against the wall. When you do this, you are in your power position to make decisions, to be in control, ect… and who doesn’t want that?

Here is a throwback video that I created months ago (pay no mind to shameless plug!) :) The point of this video is to share how I've created my office decor. It is very different now I have new dark cherry wood furniture and flower plants and frames but still have my red carpet which I love! :) 

Anyhow, there it is! That is the secret sauce to being more open to opportunities, relationships, friendships... We can never have that many friends right? 

XO! 

The Science Behind The Past And Why It Matters Today

I once heard Steve Jobs quote about connecting the dots in his commencement speech to Stanford University students and never heard this concept. He mentioned only by looking at your past you can connect the dots forward. I so agree with this because until you clear up the past, review it, ponder, meditate or pray is when you understand it was all meant for your good. 

My past has been like a rollercoaster. I've had my share of ups and downs and I don't regret those times as it's made me who I am now. I am a strong sexy female. Sometimes we have to experience it so we appreciate the present and I'm very greatful believe me! Because I'm a risk-taker I've taken many risks in life and all I can do is look back and say had I not took a risk I'd probably be living a boring life and not experience it! 

Ever since I can remember I've always tried something new to learn in choosing my ultimate career. While attending school I've always worked it was just something that I needed to do to make extra money. My most memorable experience was working as a telemarketer for "ERA" Real Estate in which my boss was the CEO. He was looking for someone without experience to sell homes. When I heard real estate it was like Oh, wow how prestigious! When I got hired on the spot I thought I was going to an office and it was the total opposite. I was going to his home. He was a christian family man very nice to me and so I worked out of his garage that was built into a cute office. 

He gave me MLS listings and a fat book like a bible. I said What in the world?! My job was to call every number and cold call to get leads. I had no idea what I was doing but I had a script and then tweeked it to my liking. I needed to be myself and sound like myself even back then. I needed to understand what I was doing and why. I always prepared myself for everything. So I learned by experience. Lo and behold I sold 2 homes. My job entailed of getting the leads and giving the information to my boss, then would set up appointment to meet up at his office. He did the rest which was showing the house and if it sold, it sold and I got paid! Chi-Ching! $$$ 

This is how I learned cold calling. Tele-marketing is not such a prestigious job but what kept me going was the money. When I would see the money coming in I was getting addicted however knew I couldn't do this forever. I needed to get back to school and was only doing it part-time. My boss said I would be a good real estate agent and mentioned if I was interested I could let him know and he'd help me get the license. Because back then others opinions mattered and was told real estate salespeople lie and trick people and they didn't see me in that business I didn't pursue it. 

I then held other corporate jobs in logistics and transportation and had some great times and other times they were not so great. I was not fullfilled. The last company I was in merged with another company when I lived in Arizona and although through a connection I was offered a new position in Scottsdale, AZ in same industry I declined. Decided to return to Cali and the beaches. Was missing my family and friends and that is when I heard of hiring of Longshoremen's at the port of Los Angeles/Long beach through a lottery pool.

I applied because my father said I should do it. I was not too excited about it but said heck I need to get back to work. 10 years of hard work! Hustle! One thing I realized was money can be addicting and I was in bondage. I worked weekends, holidays, rain or shine and whenever there was work. Missed birthday parties, weddings, celebrations all to make money. It was crazy now that I think about it. What is the point of making money if your not enjoying it as you are working 24/7 around the clock?

Best experienced I received was here at the ports. Learned how to lead, be a leader, work safe and be alert. The responsibility was huge and if someone died at work it would be due to unsafe practices or because someone didn't watch their back. It was very united just as are all unions. My strength was challenged at this job and will power sometimes I'd surprise myself but lots of prayer worked. I was very close to God as without him working out there would be foolish.

Decided to end working there after giving it lots of thought I didn't want to be a slave to the money and needed to work at a safer environment where it's fun. Where I'm learning, traveling and that is when I returned back to Network Marketing. It was hard to leave the job as a longshoreman very hard! I was addicted to making that money even at the expense of my freedom! I know sounds ridiculous..! So what happened next changed my life for the better.... Got into a car accident!

After my car accident I couldn't go back to work and said well, I guess God decided for me then.... I continued my network marketing business at home since I had no car and it didn't pan out as I thought as the the business was centered in having home parties and without a vehicle there is not much you can do! Did my best what I can however the rest left it to God. I've learned many valuable experiences in Network Marketing with personal development even though money not soo much. 

Since I'm a volunteer for The City Of San Pedro a door opened to learn how to have leadership skills in order to work for  a city job within the area of mental and health. Studied for 6 months and got certified by teachers from Harvard. It was an incredible experience and learned soo much. That is when I found out I needed additional education besides my college and credits from this school. Lots of requirements and that is when I said well, at least I learned how to coach and took it online. Lightbulb turned on and said eyeballs are on social media and many need help in how to overcome obstables, mindsets, etc.... 

And now I'm here as a certified life coach, blogger and getting eyeballs to my work by hollywood by simply putting myself out there and learning from  famous Sally Hogshead CEO of How To Fascinate she teaches how to brand and market online and offline. Copywriter for Mini Cooper, Godiva Chocolates, Coca-Cola, Harry Winston Jagermeister ect.... and speaker for many other companies. Just purchased her book "Fascinate" new edition 2016 coming out mid April. 

Truly obsessed with marketing and branding.  As a catalyst this is what gives me passion. And so I ask myself must I of went through all of this to get here? Yes. See in life we have many choices and must do our diligence however if we are blind and not sure where we are heading this can happen but I had no regrets. I do what I want and can take my business anywhere in the world. I blog as I travel and that is pretty sweet! :) 

I don't know what the future holds and the more I think of it the more anxious I can get so I'm not even going to think about it. I'm just moving forward by connecting the dots and greatful I am in this position to call the shots. I decide whether it's good or not. Whether I need more education or skills. Life is interesting i tell ya! :) 

So appreciate the detours because you are where you are suppose to be! :)

XO! 

Will This Be Your Best Leap Year In Business?

               Two Words: Leap Year

Today February 29, 2016 is considered "Leap Year".   Read last time we had a leap year was back in 2008! As I think back and try to remember what was going in that year I can tell you the world was upside down! We don't live in a perfect world however nothing good was happening in 2008.

First of all President Barack Obama was elected as President Of The United States. Bush had left office and Obama had to do lots of cleaning up in the White House. We were going through a major recession in the U.S. The biggest ever single-day crash on Sept 29, 2008. 

And so today 8 years after we experience the next "Leap Year". Should we be afraid? Of course not. What happened in the past is not what is now. Many transitions have happened since then and we continue to grow as we move forward... I do believe we are more innovative now with technology, scarcity of jobs are of the past, more people are educated, more are becoming ImCEOOfMyLife.com (Enterpreneurs) and more registered voters will be at your nearest poll. 

Last time we experienced the recession I had a job thank God. Many were losing their jobs and yet even though I worked as non-union I had a job to rely on that I didn't have to worry if I was going to get fired or laid off unless some drastic union movement or technology would wipe us out of a job! Worked for one of the strongest unions up to date. (even though I was not part of it but was classified as a longshore casual worker)

I was not an Enterpreneur. I never heard of Network Marketing although I was always around it. My aunt market "Shaklee" nutritional products from home, my cousins & friends sold Avon and Jafra. Friends market crystal glassware and home decor furnishings.. Little did I know it was a business to make a living off of. I thought it was a hobby or they just loved selling the products very much that they would get free products and they did. 

So back then I was a hustler. What I call a "diva". It urks me to hear the word hustler for a female perhaps because that is what I was labeled as when I worked with men. Diva sound more feminine and it's a word I heard Beyonce once say :) 

Worked in a very male dominant type of environment that wouldn't wish upon any female to work in unless you love the grind and love to be in power and get dirty. 

Like greasy dirty, torn jeans and out in the cold. rain or shine you were out there working for the bucks and yes we did do bucks for many not having a high school education and getting paid as much as a police officer, attorney, engineer, teacher, fireman. I often had to ask myself all my hours put in school, college to work here? But the money was good and so I stayed doing something I disliked for many years.

What is different now besides the name "Leap Year?"  Well, first and foremost I no longer work at the largest west coast port by choice. Many thought I was crazy for leaving and resigning however I didn't. Felt it was time to do something I love and I am passionate about without having to pray if I would get hurt or die. Life was risky and I have major respect for everyone still working out there. Lots of females out there working to put food in the table and take care of their families. 

Since it's a leap year today glad I was able to get my eyes checked for my annual checkup, clean my office at home, donate things no longer necessary, buy fresh flowers, write what I am greatful for drop it in my gratitude jar and prepare for birthday month March which will be super productive! I believe one of the most important months to date. 

As I end this blog here are a couple of questions you can ask yourself when making a leap! Note you get answers by questions. When you ask yourself questions write down your answers and that is how decisions arise.

What do you consider a leap year? Some questions to think about are:

What Does The World Need Now?

What Type Of People Does The World Need Now?

What Would You Immediately Do If You Knew The World Would Not Judge You?

What Impact Do You Want To Leave On The People You Love?

Have a heck of a leap year! :)XO!

You Are Your Brand, How Are You Seen?

How To Fascinate By Being More... :)

Do you run a business from home? from the beach? wherever? whenever? 

Then you know it's all about marketing and getting your products in the hands of your right audience. Many times we market to everyone without knowing what their needs are and we are seen as salespeople and that is not what we need to be seen as.

Times have definitely changed in this new era in technology. From magazine writers v's bloggers, from reading the newspaper to getting your news online, from blockbusters videos to netflix. 

As the growth in millennials rapidly advance it's all about trust what your selling and can you be trusted. Millennials do more research, are into technology & want to be part of something bigger then themselves. 

It's safe to say if your not branding yourself, not your company nobody will know about you or your services. People do business with people that is why we are in the relationship business. If you brand only your company there is not a mutual trust as they don't know much about you!  

How are you being perceived? Do you feel the way to sell is by changing how you are to please your audience? Must you sacrifice yourself to sell? Must you be looked upon as desperate?

Prior to branding myself had no clue as to how others perceive me and I've tried to be everything to everyone. I call it the people's pleasing syndrome! It was draining and tiring and felt as I was chasing down my customers like a dangling carrot haha :)

Here are examples of 7 advantages of fascination...






Have a great day! :)

Laura Ramos
@TheBuzzingCatalyst