“If you want long-term rewards, you must commit to making short-term sacrifices.”
Have you ever been through a devastating, life-changing experience that made you wake up and realize life is not always going to go exactly the way you had planned? I found out the hard way that fear can actually push you into being a stronger and more confident person. Five years ago, if I would have let fear overtake my life, I honestly believe I would not be here today writing my Eye on Arbonne story. I felt my life was exactly where I wanted it. I was happy being a stay-at-home mom. Raising our children was the number one priority in my life. I guess you could say that I was “captain” of the family ship. Then one day, a phone call came along with words I never thought I would hear. I had been informed that I had a rare form of cancer.
I had a different priority now — battling for my life. I had to undergo a year of aggressive treatment that entailed chemotherapy, a stem cell transplant, five-hour trips back and forth to New York City, bone marrow biopsies, surgeries and tests, tests and more tests. It was a far cry from just being a mom. Looking back, that was one of the toughest times of my life and I was scared beyond belief.
I had to make a sacrifice and give up my family time, going from a mother who was there 24/7 to being stripped away from my family for days and weeks at a time. My true intention was to get better and reclaim my old life of being the best mom I could be. If I would have let fear and negativity overtake me, I know that the outcome of my journey would not have ended like the outcome I chose to focus on. I tell everyone, “I made a short-term sacrifice and was rewarded with a long-term reward: A second chance at life.”
Little did I know that I was about to make another short-term sacrifice. This time the reward would be my “pennies from heaven.”
In March of 2004, a friend of mine, Melody Long, invited me to an Arbonne Presentation given by ERVP Shawn Graff. Knowing my history, Melody knew I was looking for healthy alternatives. I was very interested in the Arbonne products and decided to book a Presentation for myself. Many unreturned phone calls later and thanks to Shawn’s never-give-up-attitude, I finally booked my Presentation. Knowing what I know now, if I had truly envisioned the gift of Arbonne, I would have had my Presentation the following day. That night as Shawn gave her Presentation, I was amazed by her intention and how she stated what she wanted in her life and where she was headed. There was this gleam in her eye and determination in her heart that made me very curious to find out more about what Arbonne was all about. After her Presentation, my 12-year-old son, David, looked at me and said, “Mom, you need to do this.” That evening my mind was made up, I was going to become an Arbonne Consultant.
I launched my business in January of 2005. I remember Shawn talking about goal-setting and that I needed to set my intention and focus on my Why. I remember looking at her and being somewhat fearful of the commitment. I stated that I would be RVP by October of that year. Amazingly, I completed RVP qualification on October 31, 2005.
For those of you who are just being introduced to Arbonne, or have jumped in and are struggling, make that sacrifice and stay focused on your Why. When you think of your life a year ago, what is different? How has it changed? What could you have done to make it better? Arbonne could be your ticket to a new beginning. Are you willing to take that chance? Remember your sacrifice is only short term, and the potential long-term rewards that will follow are truly amazing.
To Founder Petter Mørck: Thank you for following your dream, as it has allowed me to find mine. To President Rita Davenport: You always make me laugh and I truly feel your love. You are an inspiration for me and this wonderful company. To the Home Office staff: Thank you for your patience and kindness.
I have been blessed with such an amazing upline. To ENVP Phoebe James: Thank you for your grace and words of wisdom. To ERVP Shawn Graff: Thank you for giving me the gift of Arbonne. I will remember all the late night phone calls, checking WebStats and your never-ending determination and words of encouragement. You are a born leader.
I want to thank my amazing team: You are my pennies from heaven. You are the ones who have blessed my life beyond measure. EAM Amy Yokum: You are awesome. I think we make a great team and I am amazed by your strength and dedication to your business. I am honored to be your friend. To EAM Betty Bussard and EAM Dee Yoder: Keep working hard and you will be writing your own Eye on Arbonne stories.
To DMs, Cassandra Dubites, Melissa Russ, Jackie Holscher, Lori McQueen, Regina Stuckey, Tammy Siegrist, Kristen Dixon, Joanna Valentine, Kay Fitz, Tena Shew, Stephanie Mekkelson, Kim Ewing, Traci Cadle, Raeanne Reid and Ramona Crouch: Thank you for your drive and passion. As you continue on your journey, great things will happen.
To all my Consultants, family and friends: Thank you for your consistent business and belief in me. You are a big part of my success.
To my mom and dad looking down from heaven: I know you had a part in opening this door of opportunity for me. I love you and think about you every day. To my husband, Jeff: I appreciate your encouragement and belief in me. I love you. To my children, Alison, David and Patrick: Thank you for telling me to do this business and for giving up more of your “mommy time!” I love you very much.
Remember, it is okay to be afraid; life can take you by surprise at any moment. But when you reach for the stars, pennies from heaven will fall out. Arbonne has many pennies, you just have to reach out and find them.
The testimonials on this Web site reflect the actual experience of each individual, are anecdotal only, and may be atypical. The testimonials are not based upon any clinical study.
