Handmade Beauty Connection
January 1, 2006
A Publication of The Indie Beauty Network
ISSN 1530-9630 | Volume 7, Issue 1
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What's past has created for you a new present. It's a new year. Don't merely imagine the possibilities. Create them. Act on them. Then we will watch you soar.
ME, NEW YEAR'S EVE, 2005Last month, my body turned 43. Yet somehow my spirit remains 17. Can you remember when you were 17? Close your eyes and think of it. You had probably recently earned your driver's license. Perhaps you were about to graduate from high school or were recently graduated. College was either brand new or just around the bend. You had a date for the prom, and even if you didn't, you had the "tinglies" for that one person you wished would invite you. You were contemplating the possibilities of life. Sure, you had made some mistakes -- dated some piggies, maybe consumed a few items that a 17-year old should not consume, picked up some bad habits, maybe had a car accident -- but those things had passed. It was time to open yours eyes wide and step out into the vast universe for which your parents and other loved ones had prepared you.
Even though you couldn't admit it to many people, it was scary, yes? What if you hated your college choice? What if you were a colossal failure at your first "real" job? What if you moved to that new city and found it difficult to make friends? What if your best laid plans just didn't pan out? What if? What if? What if? But you stepped out there and did it anyway. And you can do it again.
And here you are in 2006, reading the Handmade Beauty Connection Newsletter (thank you very much!), and wondering exactly what is my point.
Well, let me break it down for you. No matter where you are or what you have or have not accomplished in your life thus far, 2006 is an opportunity to begin creating, or continue creating, what you want your life to be. Right here, right now.
- Disappointed with last year's sales numbers? Step up your sales efforts.
- Hate your website? Find a template or a website designer and get a new one.
- Tired of your business? Find out why and then address it, start a new business or decide that business ownership is not for you.
- Still trying to finish the book you started in 2003? Make a writing schedule, ask a friend to hold you accountable and schedule your book release date.
- Stuck in a bad relationship? Work to repair the damage or get out.
- Carrying too much weight? Lose some of it or resolve to look your best no matter what your size.
- Bored with life? Learn something new, master it and then teach someone else.
Whatever yesterday was like, let it be just that. Yesterday. Yesterday is last year's news. Bring into 2006 only those things that will help you create and act on your possibilities in 2006. Sift everything else out.
My friend Charlon Bobo of Muse works and I often chat about this, that and life. I was sharing a recent event about my children a few weeks ago and she told me something that has had a profound effect on my life -- even in the past several days. She said that her mentor and neighbor, Charlene Pizzadili, told her, "You don't prepare the path for the child. You prepare the child for the path."
Of course we are no longer children. And while we don't know exactly what our future path will be, but we know it's out there and as long as we have breath, whether we like the path or not, we will be walking in it.
So on this New Year's Day 2006, be sure to prepare yourself for your path. Put on a new mind, a new attitude, a new passion for walking your path in 2006 and beyond. And while you're at it, if you don't like the path you're on now, create a new path for yourself. Don't let 2006 happen to you. Get out there and happen to 2006!!
Oh! Before I go! Please allow me to take a moment to thank you for sharing 2005 with me. It was an incredible year!
-- our first
Handmade
Beauty Business of the Year was named
-- the Handmade Beauty Business
Magazine launched
-- the first IBN member was featured on a shop
at home tv show
-- a new newsletter features writer makes the newsletter better than ever
(Hi Annette!)
-- many IBN members enjoyed great success at their first trade shows
-- some members launched their first websites
-- and so much more!
I consider each and every one of you as family. You help make my life absolutely fantastic and I am honored that you have chosen to be a part of my path. And today and every day, I thank you for allowing me to walk with you on yours.
See you at the Lifestyle
CEO Conference!
Best & Success!!
Donna Maria
Editor, The Handmade Beauty Connection
The Indie Beauty Network | www.handmadebeauty.com
Copyright (c) 2000 - 2006 by The Indie Beauty Network (IBN) and Donna Maria. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized distribution or reproduction is prohibited. IBN does not necessarily endorse any product, event or ideology featured in The Handmade Beauty Connection (HBC) or on IBN's website. All information is provided on an "as is" basis and no express or implied warranties are given. Any use of the information contained in the HBC or on IBN's web site, including recipes, is solely at your own risk. IBN and Donna Maria disclaim any liability in connection with the use of all recipes, products reviewed and other information. Except for sponsorships, HBC refuses compensation from companies to feature or mention their names or products. Opinions expressed in any Product Review are personally those of the reviewer and do not represent the views of IBN, Donna Maria (unless she is the reviewer) or any other person or company.
