Erika's Blog - Northern Connections

On the May 2-4 weekend, I attended a Virtual Assistance conference in Toronto, Ontario. Being in a virtual business, it was great to actually meet in person many of the Virtual Assistants I have had conversations with over the internet. We were mentored by women who have been successful for several years, giving us instruction, tips and ideas for moving our own personal businesses ahead. There is nothing better than spending a few days with like-minded people who have been there, done that, and you can benefit from their experiences. I came away with renewed motivation, set up some personal coaching and signed up for technology classes in my home town. I didn't even know this person was so close to me. Often times a business person may look at the costs and decide they can't afford to attend, but personally I think it is money well-spent if it helps you in the long run to get closer to your goals.

Labels: business, motivation, networking, virtual assistant

I have been given the opportunity to teach our church women's group once a month. The interesting thing about this is I am assigned a conference talk as the topic to teach. I review the principles in the talk and then need to develop how I will teach it. It is so stimulating in that I need to research, read and ponder what would be beneficial to the women in the group. Suffice it to say, I learn so much because of the time spent gathering information, thinking of viewpoints and preparing the lesson. Today was my first lesson and was well received. Looking forward to next month already.

Labels: communication, inspiration

It has been some time since I have felt like writing. Serious family issues have taken their toll on my emotions. Our son was diagnosed with bi-polar and is being treated in hospital. Watching a loved one suffer is more difficult (I think) than suffering yourself. I thank God that he is still with us. A couple of our friends have lost their children through suicide. One family was not aware their son was experiencing depression. If you don't know what signs to look for, it can be easy to miss when someone starts to decline. Thankfully I have had my own experiences and knew something was wrong with our son but we are still fortunate that he chose to speak up and seek help. While watching Oprah yesterday she interviewed guests who wanted to end their lives, tried, but managed to survive. Two guests reported that they found Christ which has given them peace and purpose and now want to help others. I believe we are here on earth to be tried, tested, develop our faith and do what we can to serve others. I am looking forward to a great year ahead.

Labels: spirituality

One of the things I find really hard to maintain is staying motivated on a project. I love the planning, goal setting, organization and the excitement generated looking forward to results. However, sometimes day-to-day duties zap your energy and your resolve to keep on track. I find that I constantly need to be reading a book to keep my mind geared up and in a learning mode. If I slack off, it is so easy to fall back and give up on the progress I have made so far. Being accountable to someone whose opinion you trust is a good way to stay the course. Belonging to forums on the internet is another way to keep the momentum going by being inspired by others' excitement. Small personal rewards for achieving a milestone works too.

Labels: motivation

Now that the hype about "The Secret" has died down, I wonder whether people are really putting the principles into practise. I read the book, but was disappointed that it was basically theory, and other's people's theories at that. Nothing new for me that I hadn't read about over the years. This weekend I was introduced to a woman who teaches and mentors where The Secret left off. I have just signed up for her introductory lesson. The concept is to stimulate your subconscious mind with positive thoughts. The subconscious mind is tuned in to the universal frequency (or power) (I call it God). By sending out your positive thoughts, you will then attract what you want in your life. I have started the homework today and will be anxious to see if it bears fruit in the next month. The program is guaranteed, so if I follow the steps I should become successful. Right? I'll keep you posted.

Labels: inspiration, success

Recently someone has come into my life. I needed some temporary office help and this person was sent my way. She was very friendly, outgoing and humorous. We hit it off immediately. Over the past 3 weeks, we began to learn more about each other and found ways that we can be supportive to eachother with the challenges that we are facing. I was able to give her advice in my areas of knowledge and expertise and vice versa. I believe that people are put in our paths for reasons, whether they need us or we need them. Being able to render a service to someone to help them on life's journey is a special blessing.

Labels: inspiration, networking, spirituality

The interesting thing about life is that whenever you think things are going rather smoothly, something always comes along to challenge you. If you can take a moment to look at life objectively, you will find that we are not meant to live in a status quo environment. Our mortal existence is to develop character through trials. In our family we have been dealing with ill and ageing parents which is difficult but inevitable. Then along comes some unexpected trials that stretch your endurance even further. I am thankful that I have an eternal perspective and the knowledge that all good things in life are counteracted by negative occurrences, just to keep you grounded. I ask for help and guidance daily and that's what keeps me going.

Labels: family, health, spirituality