When we own our power, abundance naturally flows to us! As a successful real estate agent, I found myself “on” 24/7. I have often worked all weekend and would show a house at a moment’s notice. Though I had the freedom of being my own boss, I was constantly working to earn commissions that did not always materialize. I have always been committed to servicing my clients and customers, but at what cost to my family? My husband, Eric, an artist jeweler, was working for someone else crafting amazing pieces, but getting none of the benefits or recognition. As an artist, he felt his creativity was stifled and he longed to create a jewelry line of his own.
“There has got to be a better way to have the life we want without losing our power,” I thought just one year ago. At the time, I was pregnant with our twin girls, Sofia and Isabelle, and had a nervous anticipation about our financial state. Then, in August 2005, my close friend, ERVP Lisa De Mayo, called to share her exciting news. Lisa told me about Arbonne International and its line of botanically-based skin care products, not tested on animals. Being a vegetarian and concerned about animal welfare, my interest was piqued. I was so excited that this company shared my values and could not wait to hear more and experience the products.
By this time, my baby girls had arrived and my skin really needed a pick-me-up. Being a new mom of twins and working full time in real estate was tough to juggle. I lacked the time to devote to my own needs, so the care I gave myself was minimal.
I attended Lisa’s launch meeting in mid-August. That was all it took for me to realize that I was becoming a part of something very special — a whole new world of great products, a fabulous company and an amazing opportunity. I committed to a philosophy that encouraged one to seize the day. With this attitude, I chose to use my power to create a huge shift in our lives.
I knew I needed a big enough Why to accomplish great things and fast. Eric was commuting to work by motorcycle two hours each way. He left early in the morning when the girls were asleep, came home late and rarely found the girls up to greet him with their sweet smiles and quirky giggles. His time to unwind was on the weekends, but found himself caring for our daughters while I was off driving customers to preview homes. Our children were always with one parent and hardly ever with both at the same time.
I kept my Why close to my heart and forged ahead with the weekly and monthly goals I had set for myself. I saw my team grow month by month. My focus was supporting them to win with Arbonne. I was enjoying coaching people to create greatness in their lives and noticed that personally, I was growing, too. One of the greatest satisfactions I experienced was seeing my team members promote and sharing in their excitement. I was passing on the gift that Lisa had given me.
Along the way, I became an RVP only four months into doing this business. And for the first time as husband and wife, Eric and I felt that we could have the potential for financial freedom we only dreamed about in the past.
As I write my Eye on Arbonne story, I am spending the holidays with Eric, Isabelle and Sofia in France. We are staying with my in-laws, in their old stone home, in a small village near the Swiss Alps. I am content and feel a sense of peace knowing that my girls will be able to spend summers visiting their French cousins or, if we choose, we can travel to different exotic locales. To have the power to choose is what I call freedom!
To my sponsor, ERVP Lisa DeMayo: Thank you for your guidance, coaching and leadership. You will forever be my stretch buddy. I love you.
To RVP Diane Gundersen: I could not have asked for a better crossline. I am so happy we have traveled this journey together. The best is yet to come.
To NVP Nadia Shipley, RVPs Sheila Greene and BJ Pierce and ERVP Kate Dwyer: I am forever grateful for your support and contribution.
To the adorable one, AM Tania Demiray: You are a woman of substance and your word is gold. Thank you for being who you are.
To my friend and neighbor, AM Monica Hanes: You always make me laugh and remind me not to take myself too seriously. By the way, “I am starving!”
To my spiritual buddy, AM Susan Dean: The light within you is majestic; may it always burn bright.
To my fellow Aries woman, AM Rachel Senseny: Your drive and enthusiasm inspires me. I am incredibly grateful for your support and friendship.
To DM Kris Vanderslice: You taught me organization and patience, I thank you for that. I am grateful for your friendship.
To DM Larry Carnevale, Jr.: I am honored to have you on this team. You are a man of great honesty, integrity and strength. To the DMs in my Region: Thank you for being a contribution to this team. You are on your way to abundance in all aspects of your life. It is within your reach.
To all the Consultants on this team: Each and every one of you has the opportunity of a lifetime available to you. Embrace it with open arms.
To President Rita Davenport: Thank you for inspiring me to be a better person. To Founder Petter Mørck: You are a true visionary. The world is a better place with your presence in it.
To my mother, Mildred Schonholz: You have always been there for me, though I may not always have noticed. Thank you. I love you dearly.
To my husband, Eric: You spent countless nights taking care of our girls with the utmost tenderness. My “thank yous” are infinite. I am so happy to share this sea of abundance and ride the wave of life with you. To my daughters, Le Petit Sofia and Isabelle: My Why would not be big enough without you both in my heart and soul. Thank you for being the sunshine of my life.
Are you ready to dream big and live even bigger? We all have the choice to turn our dreams into realities. We just need to jump in with both feet, be committed and trust in the power within us.
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.
