“Decide which daily activities will help you reach your dreams, then do them every day!”
I graduated from college in 1998, armed with a degree in nutrition and a large collection of hopes and dreams. After completing the required one-year internship for my field, I planned to begin the life of my dreams: Open my own practice, take an exotic vacation every year, settle down and start a family when the right man came — and have the time freedom to enjoy it all.
During my healthcare internship, I met the man who is now my husband, and it seemed as though my perfect life was falling into place just as I had imagined. But it did not take long for reality to set in. I quickly realized that settling down in Southern California meant financial sacrifices would have to be made. My dream of starting my own practice would have to be put on hold temporarily. I accepted a job with a steady paycheck, plus health benefits, and began reassuring myself there would be time to realize the rest of my dreams later … but later never seemed to arrive.
Then, on February 28th, 2003, my entire world was changed in an instant. My son, Andrew was born, and that first moment when I held him in my arms and looked into his beautiful blue eyes, I knew that my life would never be the same. I wanted him to have the world; to dream big dreams, and to know that he had it in himself to reach those dreams. But how could I teach him about dreams when I had given up on my own? I knew I needed to make changes, but did not know where to begin. My husband and I had grown accustomed to living on a dual income, so I settled for going back to work part-time. But the money I was earning could not buy what I was missing at home. After 14 months of soul searching, I decided to resign and start rediscovering my lost dreams.
Choosing to follow my heart set off a chain of events that would forever change my life. Shortly after leaving my job, I joined a playgroup where I met my sponsor, ERVP Michelle Rizzo. I overheard Michelle talking about Arbonne with another mom and I became intrigued. I thought this “Arbonne thing” might be a great way to get some much-needed adult interaction, while potentially earning a bit of extra income every month.
I started my Arbonne business in January of 2005, and it only took a matter of weeks for me to realize that Arbonne was the vehicle that would enable me to not only realize all of my hopes and dreams, but to help my closest friends and family members realize theirs, as well. I completed qualification for Area by my third month when, out of the blue, there came another dose of reality: I discovered I was pregnant with my second child.
Just six weeks into the pregnancy, I was so sick that I could not get out of bed. For the next three months, I continued to get a paycheck for the work I had already done (which was great), but my business stopped growing. I had to cancel all of my Presentations, and I was terrified the initial momentum I had built would be lost. I felt powerless and discouraged, until I remembered a quote that I had once read, which said that we become successful when we decide to be successful. I had a decision to make: I could let this minor setback derail my dreams once again, or I could start rebuilding my business, one step at a time. I chose the latter. Although it was difficult, it was worth every ounce of effort. I am now living the life of my dreams and teaching others to do the same.
I am blessed to have such an incredible upline. To NVP Amme Weilert: Thank you for your support and guidance, and for lending me your “glasses” when I could not always see the vision for myself. To ERVP Michelle Rizzo: Thank you for not only introducing me to this life-changing opportunity, but also for becoming an amazing friend.
To my mom, EAM Chris Conn: You have always believed in me and taught me to believe in myself. Thank you for your unconditional love and support. What an amazing feeling to be able to give back even a small portion of what you have given me my entire life! To my AMs, Petra Cornelius, Alicia Diaz, Kristen Gabel, Anna Marovich, Ann Matthews, Amy McMahon, Wendy Munoz, Tina Olsen, Erin Reynolds, Monica Saffell, Susan Wolf and Jaclyn Zarp: I am sure many of you will be writing your own Eye on Arbonne stories by the time you read this. Thank you for sharing your dreams with me and for allowing me to become a part of your lives. I cannot wait to see each and every one of you driving your own Mercedes-Benz, too!
To my DMs, Margie Arata, Monica Bowen, Isela Briseno, Kami Coleman, Sheri Duncan, Katelin Fast, Karen Fitzsimmons, Tracy Fitzsimmons, Traci Isaacson, Rosalinda Jaimes, Shannon James, Nicole Lane, Micehlle Lloyd, Donna Marabotto, Daniel Mattera, Carol Mcrae, Annalise Mulford, Linnea Munoz, Danielle Oldenkamp, Wendi Plantier, Jacqueline Reed, Jenni Rivers, Rose Saleeby, Jonna Seers, Phyllis Sickels, Beth Vengley, Daphne Wallake, Joanie Wolkon and Courtney Zarp: Thank you for being a part of my business; none of this would be possible without you. Keep sharing the gift of Arbonne … you will be changing countless lives.
To my husband, Mark: You are the best friend, father and partner I could ask for. Thank you for everything. I look forward to living our dreams together. I love you. To my beautiful sons, Andrew and Aaron: You are my Why! You taught me to dream again and gave me the strength to be the mom I have always wanted to be. I cherish our time together and I cannot wait to watch you grow up and realize all of your hopes and dreams.
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.
