What Does God Say You Are & Why It Matters... :)

There is a quote I read in my devotionals today that said...

“Be more concerned with what God thinks about you than what people think about you”

 And when I read it I knew I was going to have one of those days! Your valued to God as a Princess or Prince. Was up early drinking my coffee as usual. Cinnamon dark coffee + cinnamon creamer. (Yummy!)

And as I read about a story of a person mentioning one hour is only 4% of a day I was interested in knowing more about it. It’s a story of a woman putting more effort into prayer time by applying 4% of her time when she heard someone talk about this subject. She was determined to try it! Kinda reminds me of my recent 21 day blog challenge I was so determined to complete! Done! 

Rather than trying to fit prayer into her schedule she decided to “fix” a prayer time, and then “fit” the rest of her day around it. Her kids were old enough to travel to school alone and by 8:30 a.m. each morning her house was quiet as a mouse.  A hush fell over her home. She knew this was her best prayer time. To guard antee she was uninterrupted, she made it knows to the ladies in her group that except emergencies, she would be greatful if people didn’t call her until after 9:00 a.m. in the morning.

To her surprise no one was offended instead they responded very positively. Several other women began to follow her example by setting aside the same hour to pray every day.

When we seek God’s plan first, all our plans with other people will have a way of falling into place. 

And so I ask when we have standards and confidence in ourselves by setting priorities as to what we have time for and what we don’t…. people will respect us for it and therefore we will be successful knowing it was a win/win.

This devotional helped me to understand my day even further. I wasn’t expecting to have a breakthrough day but I did! Some reality checks were hard to swallow however it was for the good. It’s difficult  to notice anything bad turning good but you must be able to discern this as that is when you become wise and follow your “gut” and not what others think or believe you should do.

My day started out productive and started by setting priorities. I may not have kids but sometimes it just feels that way. Being the oldest child comes with responsibilities even after your 21 however little by little step by step I’m releasing old responsibilities that I shouldn’t have. Some may think it’s selfish but in reality it’s not. It’s selfish not to self-care yourself.

So I had a family meeting and I’m laying down the cards on the table.  I will do this and that and release this and that. It felt pretty good saying it as it was soo unexpected of others to hear. What made me say this? Well, there comes a time when you have to put yourself first and leave responsibilities to others. I have to remind myself I’m not “Cammy” You know the cartoon character of streetfighter! (video games) Yak!

And so after headed to the ER because I needed to get checked what was up with my Gut! It’s been acting up for the past 3 days and the pain persists and won’t go away. It just totally screwed me up. I was this different person. A person lacking energy, yawning a lot, gaining weight. I looked in the mirror and said “What is going on Laura?” This is not you! See we all have intuition to discern when we are at our best and when we are not and I sure haven’t been feeling great. And so I kick rocks! (literately)

I had several tests run on me such as a pregnancy test (really?)  they insisted and according to the triage nurse. What revealed was the culprit of my laziness, weight gain and pain was found in an ultra sound. It hurted as she rubbed my stomach with gel and a computer handle joystick and said Crap! looking at the computer myself and watch her take notes.

So, I have gallstones! 3 small ones that are still. Not moving anywhere they are just sitting there however they can grow in size and move around if I don’t care for my body and therefore a change of LIFESTYLE is expected of me. The thought of becoming vegan came to mind as that is when I was at my healthiest and my gut was regular, my skin was glowing, hair was shiny and felt energized.

The fact of knowing you have rocks in your tummy is just so wrong in many ways and not healthy. I’ve known lots of people that have had these rocks removed successfully. In and out they are out of the hospital however one sad case I also know of a surgery going totally wrong! My cousin’s wife died and had a painful journey in the hospital due to being botched to remove the rocks. I don’t even want to think of it as thoughts are things and remaining positive about my outcome when I get surgery however need to do my diligence and not go based on their advice. Apparently I should go to a county hospital and get in line to see when surgeon is available. There is a waiting list as they only do surgeries to people with big insurance companies well known that will qualify them to use their hospital.  This is why it's soo important to have really good insurance! 

I've decided not to follow that advice and research a more experienced hospital with non med students performing surgeries even though it's not a big deal of a surgery but anything can go wrong and I'm not putting my body in the hands on non-experienced MD's. 

For some reason though I was not feeling too comfortable after I met several nurses and I wouldn’t want to stay overnight. One had an opinion about my birth date and would I of been born an earlier day in March I probably would have been treated very different and this is a catholic hospital? Should I feel lucky I was a late march baby? The energy that day was soo off... thank God no surgery was performed I probably wouldn't be writing this blog! Whew!! I don’t know but that’s the day I was born the day God breathed in me and blessed me with talents. It was just soo unexpected to hear comments like Whew! Good thing you’re a late one! One thing came to mind…. Weirdoooos! 

And this is why I write this blog because it’s not what people see you as when it comes who you are due to your birth date. I can go more further on this subject as it goes really deep but I won’t. You can’t be opinionated on someone’s birth date just because. Everyone is different and not all the same based on birthdays. 

So, I end this blog with the thought of listening to what God says about YOU not what others say because if you knew what God says you would be smiling like I am :) See, I know I am a child of God and he sees me as his precious princess just as any father would feel for his kid. When kids get hurt, in pain the father rescues the kid well the same goes to our heavenly father. 

 Cheers to MILES stones! :)

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! 

Have Your Heard? Nature Is Your Best Bet To Rejuvenate!

Gotta love nature! :)  Whose with me? The trees, the animals, the greenery, the plants, flowers, the lakes, the friendly people. That's what's buzzing! This week I've been cat sitting for my sister and brother in law which they took a mini-vacay and when asked if I would like to pet sit I was all over it! See my sister lives out in nature not the normal city life or non-cabin like homes and knew already I needed this vacay to spend time in nature and ponder about life.

I can say this week has been transformational when it comes to mindset, eating healthy, pampering myself, being by myself, healing from my beloved bird "Einstein" that recently passed away but "Honey" the kitty cat (meow) has been very loving and attentive to me which lots of the heartbreak I received when my birdy passed away was replaced with pet sitting.

And so as I had the house cabin to myself and became sort of a hermit but not really because I was still connected with social media and had lots to think about where my life is headed. These are changing times and times of new beginnings. Times when you need to make your own choices, decide what you want out of life and how your going to make it happen.

This week I learned how to cook new dishes and experimented cooking white rice and quinoa together in a rice cooker. I eat rice (maybe not much) however I only have eaten quinoa twice and it's really good. And so I cooked rice and it came out delicious! Cooked also chicken, bow tie pasta with alfredo fettucinni pasta sauce also delicious and a side salad. I was pretty proud of myself as I don't take this much time cooking and savoring the food.

Here is a picture of my rice (white rice + quinoa) it's soo easy and soo healthy :)

White Rice + Quinoa

What I really love about nature and the outdoors is the weather and breathing the fresh pine trees surrounding where I'm staying. It's soo beautiful and for the past day it's been raining so it's even more beautiful. Heard tomorrow will rain as well I can just imagine what it's like to see the snow.

Here is a picture I took overlooking nature in the morning drinking coffee

Balcony Overlooking The Pine Trees

Soo much green! 

And so as you can imagine I've been having a peaceful, relaxing retreat by myself. Pondering on life, meditating, being in stillness and overlooking the stars at night in the balcony. What's amazing is that even though it seems country like as soon as you go downhill your back in the city! It's reasonable to live out here and mostly retired folks live here or Enterpreneurs. There is scarcity of jobs out here due to the area unless you work from home and who would not want to work from home living out here. 

I decided to get real estate out here in the near future. It's great to retreat yourself out in nature and just relax. Can I live here forever or retire here? Not really. I'm very much a city girl love the action, the people, the cars but it's nice to once in a while get away. So my takeaway of this getaway from home has been to spend more quality time taking care of self. Loving myself by eating healthier, pampering, hiking, getting lost! Yes, I also got lost in the woods not knowing how to get back home as it is very confusing but prayer and affirmations work! Had to keep telling myself I got this! Until I finally found myself back home. It was pretty funny and I laugh now but then it wasn't that funny :)

So, you can pretty much say I feel rejuvenated! Ready to tackle the world one blog at a time. I'm on a 21 day blog challenge that ends on April 17th exactly on that date and tomorrow will do my best to write 3 more blogs to be up to date of having written 12 blogs! Yes I Can! Anywhooo I digress from the topic and ready to get my beauty sleep as I am wearing a mud mask on and it's cracking a bit which means I need to wash off my face pronto! Yes beauty costs and we need to be up to date not only from the inside but outside as well :)

Goodnight :) 

How To Make Leadership The Ferrari Of The Film Industry

If you can make a controversial film yet bring change you have succeeded.

There are  many great films that have sparked change in people's lives and have provided a different  type of perspective. One example was the film "Precious" based on the movie "Push" by Sapphire. This film ignited a controversy a year after the release. At that time New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg had a strong reaction watching "Precious" as it centered in the fizzy soft drinks we all have grown to love!

The Mayor wanted to push a limit size of soft drink in NYC due to seeing the film. The plan was to stop selling the sugar rush drinks no more than half a liter in cinemas, restaurants, sports stadiums. In 2012 The NYC Health board accepted the limit yet due to objections and appeals and not acting quick it was dismissed before it could pass law.  This is just a prime example of what can happen when great films are made and it inspires authorities, people in Leadership to step up and take action! 

This blog is not about Hollywood or film it's just an example as to what can happen when great Leadership is in place. The changes one can make around the world, the influence, the transformations... When I think of great Leadership I see people in power taking action for the greater good. It's not stepping on others to achieve what you desire but in being a servant to others, it's knowing the great need and inspiring others to be at their best. One of my favorite quotes:

"If you can inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more you are a Leader"

 We don't need more leaders. But Great Leaders not only in Government (Politics) but in Business. Reputation is everything. How are you perceived. This is why when political figures are candidates for presidency the first thing that is revealed is their dirty laundry, it gets exposed from what they've done, where they've been and what impact have they've done in society. But, then again you had Bill Clinton and although he had an affair with Monica Lewinsky and declared he never had an affair with that woman people didn't care they just wanted him to make things happen in the white house and I'm not talking about secret affairs :) 

So what defines Great Leadership? It's simply inspiring others to become better but you must Lead first. See when I worked at the west coast ports and we were assigned jobs to lead it didn't mean waiting on others. We had to take action or else someone would get hurt or die. It was that serious. Most of these jobs were called ,"signaling" Lots of people hated these type of jobs because you were always on alert and your eyes were not only a crane operator but all others working with you in the team. I already knew when taking those type of jobs I needed a redbull, strong coffee or sweets. Why? I needed to be on alert. 

Those were the days that stay with me and humble me because I don't have it like that anymore however doesn't mean my Leadership skills are void. Running a business takes Leadership Action! We impact people's lives. We can lead them astray or lead them in the right path. So which path are you leading? What changes can you make just as the film industry that makes a person in power change as well or get inspired? 

Just some questions to think about as I end this blog because it really does matter how you lead today. 

To Leadership! 

Make Your Opportunities A Reality

Merriam-Webster defines the word: "OPPORTUNITY" as a good chance for advancement or progress. 

When  I hear of opportunities to me it just means an opportune time to make something a reality however it doesn't always pan out that way. Truth is you need to align yourself with people who want to see you succeed!  We often hear lots of opportunities... yet you need to do your diligence and research or you can be a risk-taker and not be afraid of the circumstance but make that leap!

I've ventured in several opportunities and from my previous blog posts I'm here to say I have not been a millionaire just yet. It does take determination, perseverance and integrity. Don’t be a one hit-wonder otherwise other will want to be one as well. We are here to set examples of who we are. It's our responsibility to let others know truth is this is what is required:

1. Investment needed
2. Social Media tools / guidance / branding 
3. Hours applied
4. Skills set
5. Mentorship needed

Upon taking a leadership/coaching class I was clueless as to what I just signed up for!  I am a life- long learner (student for life) and a risk-taker and have leaped into several businesses and don't regret not one of them. They've all taught me something it's called Growth. When I encountered the opportunity that would change my life it didn't come in a gift with a big giant red bow. It came disguised as an obstacle.

And so I think are we able to discern an opportunity when it's concealed as an obstacle?

Many times we go for the easy route and decline opportunities that seem hard. The way I see opportunities is that no matter where you go, what you do there will be challenges you will need to encounter. What's easy is sleazy. (As I've heard Leaders quote this awesome quote!)

I had just left my 1st networking marketing company as many changes were happening with the company and felt it was in my best interest to do something else. I also was not passionate about the service and had to be real. Being that I am a volunteer for The City Of San Pedro and was volunteering at the local mental health center a couple of hours was recommended to work for the city.

Upon recommendation from Doctors at the clinic was asked If I'd be interested in taking credits for a course in which I can use the education to apply for the city job. I needed a job and therefore it wouldn't hurt to get some education.  I received lots of breakthroughs not only was I learning about myself but also learning about the brain, depression, anxiety and mindsets. The class was taught by Harvard PHD's and was fascinated in learning more. To say the least I learned what I needed to learn and mastered the logic that I once heard a Successful Leader say "When a woman has mastered logic, men and done".

See in order to influence women, it's not through logic, it's through the heart. In order to influence men it's through logic. And when women have mastered the logic, more women can take over leaderboard room meetings, speaking venues and make hard choices. Our emotions can lead us astray and can be very deceiving. You decide! 

Everytime we use see a male receiving lots of attention  from the opposite sex it's because they use their heart. And males who are philosophical, who teach, who are worldly-known (think attorneys, engineers, professors,  architects) use their brain. I'd like to think of myself as both but can be a little more logical as I question everything. My curiosity get me everytime! 

In order to find a solution... Key is asking a question. Your brain will answer.

I didn't plan to become a Life Coach. It was not in my radar. As a matter of fact upon graduation I couldn't even get in the door to get hired at the clinic. I can still volunteer but not have a city job as additional education was required. Another year of clinical school besides a college degree. I was not too excited of having a job as I had just left a business working from home in which I had control of. I was making the decisions not a boss.

So, because I didn't get the job a light bulb appeared and decided to take it online because that is where all the eyeballs are at and to be an Enterpreneur you must find the need and fill it. Many people suffer from depression and often take medicine and although I am not a PHD I do believe it's all about mindset. Mindset is just a "SET-MIND" 

This is how I birth my career as a Life Coach unexpectedly. Through a connection that lead to nowhere after I graduated however it was a blessing in disguise. See we don't know where God will lead us. We may see it as an obstacle however what it has taught me was the necessary skills needed to dive in the infested water of sharks. Forewarn is forearmed. Am I able to use it for business? Definitely.  Do I need to use it? No. My services are not for intimidation purposes. It's simply to help people overcome their addictions, problems, mindsets ect….

As I end this blog think of opportunities as blessings in disguise.  Are some risky? Yes. Are you guarantee to succeed? Of course not. Can you succeed? Of course. Life is a risk itself but will it matter 10 years from now? No unless you become a wealthy person then it will be inspiring however if you didn't succeed your still a bad-ass as you don't think like everyone else. Your different.

To know more about my coaching services go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2LZJXXB and fill out questionnaire. Will contact you and we will go from there. 

Have a great day! :)

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! 

Being A Rockstar In Your Industry Is A Matter Of Giving

FOR TICKETS:  www.classy.org/cdvgolf2016

Was doing some research on the meaning of giving and stumbled upon a video from Tony Robbins on giving and how transformation happens when you give. Also read prior to becoming a multi-millionaire, speaker, coach, motivator.... he experienced major setbacks such as living with scarcity of food and reason why now he gives to food banks to help the needy.

What can Tony Robbins teach us today?  When you focus on just what you are getting and not giving is when you need to change. He challenges you to make your life a masterpiece. He challenges you to join the ranks of those people who live what they teach, who walk their talk.

I love to get inspired and reading these stories get me fired up because they show you in life you don't have to be born with a silver spoon but the opposite. See many times we see successful people and think they were born into it when in fact in order to get where they are at it took lots of sacrifice, strength, perseverance and a ton of passion which Tony Robbins doesn't lack I might add! :)

The more you give the more you receive. Some of the most wealthiest people have one thing in common they GIVE. Why? Because they are always giving. Think Bill Gates. Some may lose businesses or fail in business but as soon as it was lost they gain it back one way or other and then you wonder how did they do that? How were they able to purchase a large home? a luxurious car? A nice expensive watch? Nice alligator shoes or red bottom heels? Yes these are all material things however the point is there is seldom lack.

From what I can remember I've always been giving due to my upbringing. Was I always like this or did I have a generous gene? No. As a kid I was sort of selfish and as I grew up my mom raised me to be selfless, giving and that is when it was ingrained in me and wanted to give to people. I noticed the more I gave the more I got. Charity does not always come in the form of money but advice, value, time etc... :)

And so now that I am older (as the oldest child in my family) I've always been responsible for helping my peers and siblings and neighbors. This is why I volunteered in my community, politics, became a philantropist, give back to charities and desire to one day open my own non-profit sometime in the future. (God willing) There is nothing more full filling then to give but you must have it in you to give.

I love to promote charity events as it's a form of giving. 3 years ago I ran the L.A. Marathon (26.5 miles) from Los Angeles to Santa Monica Pier. It was challenging however I did it with passion and a happy heart for the kids. What kept me going was my WHY!  Had I not been running for a charity and know kids were depending on me I must say I'd probably would not of ran unless I wanted to challenge myself but in this case it was not about me but about the kids

There is a special charity coming up and reason why I am writing this blog post as well. It's our 1st Annual Corazon De Vida Golf Charity Tournament in partnership with Kingdom Coalition for Kids. Take a look at the video below of the event and anyone interested in attending, avid golfers, athletes can attend and have dinner. Tickets are available at: www.classy.org/cdvgolf2016

Check Out Corazon De Vida Golf Video! By the way just received news celebrities will be attending. If you enjoy networking this is an event not to miss! You never know what one person can lead you to another and another and another.... Connections! :)




Have a great day! :)

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