Brussels Sprouts?… Yes Please!!

As I sit here enjoying a second helping of pure goodness, I can only but shake my head that something I so despised as a child; I now cannot imagine NOT eating!  Regularly!  For 50 years I’ve been missing such awesomeness, such complex flavor!  What could it be, what could be so satisfying that I rue missing it for all this time…Brussels sprouts you say?

Seriously, what kid grew up loving Brussels sprouts?  I recall them floating in the pot of boiling water, boiling away for eternity, like all vegetables were cooked when I was young!  All boiled WELL into submission!  Then to the plate where mushy, sour and stinky ‘cabbage nuggets’ waited for me.  Time and time again I tried to wait them out, for my Mom to let me slide and leave the table without choking them down. Not a chance. Thankfully she was kind enough to only serve a few onto my plate.  So when she wasn't looking, I would quietly "fling" them, one by one into the centerpiece on the table!  Ha!  She would never know ‘til those little hard rocks rolled out one day! And by then, they would be unidentifiable!  I'll tell you one thing, I knew I would NEVER make my kids eat these horrid little things! 

Fast forward, oh maybe 50 years.  My husband decides he’s going to try a recipe he saw or heard about somewhere.  Yes, Brussels sprouts were about to creep back onto my plate!  And let me tell you, I couldn’t be happier!  What changed? Was it me? Was it the preparation?  Well, something fabulous happened and now I crave those little buggers!   I've recently been known to make a restaurant dining decision based on whether or not they have these delectable little balls of goodness on their menu!  Truth!  I hope you've had a laugh with me today!  Enjoy this recipe; it’s truly fantastic!

Bacon Brussels Sprouts (serves 2)

Ingredients:

12-14 small Brussels sprouts

2 bacon rashers, minced

2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

¼ cup olive oil

2 tablespoons Sea or Kosher salt

Salt and pepper

Method:

- Bring a pot of water to the boil. Add Sea salt.

- Blanch Brussels sprouts for 4-5 minutes depending on size, then drain and refresh in cold running water.

- Cut sprouts in half lengthwise.

- Heat olive oil on high. Add bacon and cook 1-2 minutes.

- Add Brussels sprouts and fry until they start to brown around the edges and the bacon crisps.

- Add garlic slices and fry 1 minute until softened (do not over cook garlic).

- Drain Brussels sprouts to remove excess oil. Serve hot.

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The 10 Things I Gave up to Create the Life of my Dreams

1. Spending time with negative people.

2. The couch.

3. Taking advice from people who haven’t done what I aspire to do.

4. TV.

5. Focusing on no’s – why focus on anything negative?

6. What other people think of me. Why care? They aren’t paying my bills!

7. Spending money on things that won’t make me better; like fast food, and investing that money into good books that will help me grow and develop.

8. A spotless house. That came when I could afford a housekeeper.

9. Sleep.

10. A belief that I am not worthy.

If you want something you have never had, you have to be willing to do something you have never done. I like to call these “investments” in my future. Short term sacrifices for the long term. Did it help me to take my life and business to a whole ‘notha level? Absolutely!  Do I continue to practice this philosophy? Yes. Every one of them! Every day. It allows me to focus on what will take me to new heights. What will allow me to truly live my dreams.

If you are ready to make a change in your life, try it! Print this list and commit. See what happens when you shift your focus. It just may change everything for you! I hope you do! The reason I’m sharing this with you is to pay it forward. When you find something that works for you, tell someone! It just may help someone else to do the same.  Share your feedback on my connect page!  I’d love to know how you’re doing!    

View the Original Blog Post here http://rondahartman.com/the-10-things-i-gave-up-to-create-the-life-of-my-dreams/

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Life is a Gift!

Today I’m going to share something very personal and I’m praying it comes through as it’s meant; from the heart…

Life can be so hard. I get it. More than you know. I can remember, what seems like only yesterday… I was a single mom of two precious little girls. They were 2 & 3. I was going through a divorce, so strapped. I was blessed though as I received child support every month from their father. Which is more than many do. I will always be grateful for that. But it was tough. We lived in one town, had childcare in another, and I worked in another. I was always the last mom to pick up her kids. They usually ate mac’ n cheese & hotdogs or hamburger helper for dinner. I’d eat whatever was left. I kept a box of cheap wine in the fridge. I rationed it for weeks! That was my “reward” for working hard. One day I had the most humbling experience of my life. The best gift of my life. As I came to pick up the girls one Friday evening, my daycare provider, Elke Howard, met me at the door. She said “Honey, I have something for you. I told the other moms we had a mom in need. I didn’t tell them who, but they all stepped up.” She, along with the other day care moms, had put together bags of food for me & for my girls. Everything from boxed meals and rice, to frozen meat. Bags full. I left there that night so humbled by their kindness, tearful and full of gratitude…I was 27 years old.

In the next phase of my life, I met & married my soul mate, Ray Hartman. We had a good life, we both worked, and then I lost my job. We came upon tough times. Again. I’ll never forget shopping for baby clothes for Chloe & school clothes for Danielle & Brianna at second hand stores. Not our proudest moments, but we did it without shame because that’s what you do. The girls & I made cookies for Christmas gifts, because it’s about the love that goes into it, not the money spent.

Today, our life is different. It’s not perfect, life never is! But from a financial perspective, we have freedoms we’ve never had before. We have the ability to pay it forward. Last year about this time, I earned an $800 Christmas Cash Bonus from the company that Ray & I get to represent. Remembering where we have been; Chloe, Ray & I were able to anonymously pay off Christmas layaways at Wal-Mart for 9 families with that bonus!  I’m trying to type through the tears because I KNOW what that will mean for these families. The store manager in Snellville, GA said that while normally they have many do this each year, we were the only people to do so thus far; “You don’t know what it’s like when these folks are told…”, “They can get very emotional…” All we could say, well Ray could say, because I was emotional, is “That’s what you do, you give when you can.” My message to you today, is life is a gift. It’s never so bad that it can’t get better.  It is what you make it. My heart is so full today because I KNOW that every family touched this past and future Christmas, will hold the same memory I did, years ago, in their hearts. They will go on to pay it forward to the next family when they can. God Bless you all throughout this giving season.

View the Original Blog Post here http://rondahartman.com/life-is-a-gift/

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Abundant Gratitude

These past few days I've been particularly emotional and so full of gratitude. Abundant gratitude! I am a grateful person by nature I think, but the truth is sometimes it just isn’t as prominent as it could be! Part of my gratitude today is that I have surrounded myself with gracious, kind and successful people. Often times, just hearing their words inspires me! I want to share some of those words with you today!  Words from someone I adore who is a part of my business. Her words just put me over the edge today.  No one can understand HOW this business really changes lives until you're in it. Thanks for sharing your heart my friend. You are loved!

While on the way to church a couple of weeks ago in Bixby, I asked Jason to pull into this parking lot. He had never been, but I had - several times. I just sat and stared inside. I will never, EVER forget the journey. I will ALWAYS understand and be patient with the lady in front of me counting her cash for groceries, organizing her coupons, or carefully watching the running total so she can add or pull things off the belt.

I will never act irritated or rushed because I REMEMBER being beyond embarrassed to pull my WIC folder out, divide out the vouchers for milk, peanut butter, and formula for my baby. We did what we had to do, and I'm thankful this was here for that season.

I also remember the day that I knew I would NEVER have to walk into this office again. And NOW? I quietly step up to that mama in front of me and simply say "Allow me. I would be thrilled to pay for these today". THOSE times at the store? The best EVER.

So for today, and for everyday, I will encourage you to be grateful. To count every experience and every little blessing. Keep your heart open and welcome all future blessings into your life!  My heart is full, and once again my gratitude meter is pegged on HIGH!

View the Original Blog Post here - http://rondahartman.com/abundant-gratitude/

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What are Your Dreams?

Have you ever literally counted the dollars as you loaded your shopping cart at the grocery store? Factoring in every coupon before heading to the checkout? Or, carefully watched the gas pump tick, tick, tick, as it pumped the fuel into your car because as it got closer to the $10.00 mark you knew you had to get it to stop, spot on? Have you ever borrowed from the electric bill because the water bill was due a week sooner? I am confident that most Americans can relate to this at some point in their life. Honestly, I cringe just thinking about it. The stress can feel unbearable. Sigh. This was most certainly how my husband and I operated as we scrambled paycheck to paycheck. We would take this J.O.B. (Just Over Broke) because it paid a little more than the last one. We did that because we were taking care of our family and it's all we knew to do. In actuality, we were living our lives reactively rather than proactively. But we don't know what we don't know, right? 

Thirteen years ago I discovered the concept of Direct Sales/Network Marketing. Wow, could that really work for me? I met this young woman who stayed at home with her kids and she made a "real" income! Could "I" actually be a stay at home Mom like her and run my own business too? I had never imagined ME as a business owner! But what if...  Well, something inside me said YES so I followed my gut and started a home based business. My goal was to replace the modest but significant income I was earning. That was about $2,000 a month. I figured if I could even come close to that, by the time I subtracted what I had been paying out for child care, gas to and from work, work clothes, lunches and coffees, this could allow me to be home with my three girls and maybe even come out ahead! I thought, if I could do this, my kids would have MORE than I did growing up. A Mom at home! So I continued working my full time job and I hosted parties as many evenings and weekends as I could. I did a lot of parties then. My products were high end, and many people would host a party to earn them free or at a discount. Did I sacrifice time with my family doing this? Yes. Call it a short-term sacrifice for the long term! It was really three months of making an investment in our family’s future! I'm so grateful for that opportunity. It opened my mind to a new concept of making a living. I replaced that income and was able to raise my kids while earning that income through that business opportunity! 

Fast forward nine years, late 2012. The kids had grown, two were out on their own, and the economy had gone through significant change. What I mean by that is people were cutting back on extras. My product was no longer a viable way to earn income. People just weren't buying pretty and pricey things for their homes like they once were. And without that, my hosts couldn't earn their discounted products. So, the income that had sustained me for so long dwindled to near nothing. It was such a sad time. The stress had returned, and the financial struggle was back. Our two-income family was basically, back to one. Gosh, I bet you may even know someone who has gone through something similar with a job loss or even a not so great experience in direct sales. But I always say when opportunity knocks open the door! It knocked, and I opened. I could now take those nine years of experience and apply that into a new business opportunity with personal products that people REALLY wanted! The products were affordable, fun and I didn't have to hold parties in order for people to receive deep discounts! I know, it sounds too good! Here's the deal. When that life change happened, it literally allowed me to learn even more than what I thought I knew. More about business, more about people, more about working smarter, not harder. I started earning again. My confidence began to grow and I learned to start dreaming again! Dreaming bigger than I ever had! See, I know that my first network marketing experience had a more significant purpose than just replacing my J.O.B. It was on the job training, for life and business. For the last three years I've been able to help other people literally transform their lives with creating greater health, self confidence, and for those who choose to, their finances. I've learned that with the right experience, the right attitude and a simple plan all dreams are possible.          What are your dreams? 

View the Original Blog Post here - http://rondahartman.com/what-are-your-dreams/

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I Can Think of No Better Way to Make a LIVING, or a LIFE!

I have learned that when you love what you do, you’ll never “work” another day in your life! My husband Ray and I both have vivid memories of the days we went to our J.O.B.’s (Just Over Broke) anywhere from 8-12 hours a day, which had us spending time with people we just really didn't care for! I don’t mean that in a judgmental way, I mean people who give off negative energy and just plain make you not feel good! You know the ones I'm talking about, those who kind of repel happiness! Yikes! It’s so sad to see, but you can’t avoid it because you can literally “feel it! Like an earthquake! You just know they would rather be anywhere but there, with you… for 8-12 hours a day. Heavy sigh.    

Reality is, there are a lot of unhappy people in the world. Sometimes they just don't like themselves! I know, it’s a sad thing to say. Maybe sometimes they even like themselves too much, LOL! Life can be hard, and some people can feel they have to prove something and that's why they behave like they do. Well, ultimately life is short. It’s a journey full of choices and should be embraced! I believe that every soul walking this earth has a PURPORSE and GIFTS that when discovered allows them to be a light! That when open to options and willing to throw the old “ It is what it is” out the door, they may be able to create a happy and fulfilling life based on what they do for a living.   

I found my light. So did Ray! Sometimes you just have to wait for that perfect opportunity to present itself. The key is, when opportunity knocks, you’ve got to open the door! It's so refreshing to know that in our business we can literally choose who we work with! Seriously, we get to choose who we associate with! Who we will spend time with, who we will cry with and who we will celebrate with. We have made lifetime friends with like minded people, and the frosting on the cake is, no one tells us what to do, what we are “worth” as far as income goes, and we don't have to report ANYWHERE for 8-12 hours a day!

BOOM!

The power of choice! Can you imagine how that would look for you? Someone you love?  That negative person in your office? Wow, maybe you are even that person! Well, let me tell you, everyone has a choice! Even if you feel like there is no way out of your current situation, your circumstances or J.O.B. I’ll tell you there is! I see it every single day. I watch moms coming off of public assistance, professionals paying off tens of thousands of dollars in school loan debt in one years time, Mom’s and Dads choosing to be at-home-parents and literally living the life they had never dreamed of before. We work together as a TEAM. There is no "I"' in TEAM! Together Everyone Achieves More. We love that no one is able to experience true and honest success in our business unless OTHERS succeed right along with us! I can think of no better way to make a LIVING, or a LIFE!

GRATITUDE METER: HIGH

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Someday

I took some time out this week and had an awesome one-hour relaxation massage. It was absolutely wonderful! The soft spa music played in the background while I was surrounded by the fragrance of healing essential oils in the air and touching my skin. It was hard to keep my eyes open!  Seriously, a little slice of heaven!  I can say I graciously embraced every single moment of it! Oh the difference one hour can make!

Embracing this experience took me back a few years on how things used to be. The reality is, just 3 years ago this was not an option in my life. Most certainly not monthly or whenever I felt like it! Wow, a time for reflection and perspective! This is so powerful! Before I discovered life could be different with the right opportunity, my mind had become somewhat closed to “possibilities”. I guess I was stuck, seeing only how “it is”, not how it could be. Today I understand that our circumstances do not define us, or our futures! Talk about a breath of fresh air and relief! There are so many things like this that people just like me NEVER even think about because it's not a necessity or an option in their lives at the time. But I ask, why not?  

Someone out there may even be shaking their head right now, thinking what a silly thing to spend money on and that’s ok. But hear me out. I'm a conscientious spender. I don’t roll high on the hog and live a lavish lifestyle, but I do live much more comfortably and with a   lot less stress than I used to! The truth is, as women we work hard each day to provide for our loved ones and ourselves. To make sure we have a roof over our heads and food on the table. Caring for our children, our families and our homes. Maybe even taking care of the yard or a family member. We pay the bills, do the laundry, cook, clean, get the kiddos to their events and help with homework!  Oh, and more than likely go to work 40+ hours a week. Sometimes we just plain run ‘til we can’t run anymore!  I'm so grateful to continue to learn that through being open, that there are many possibilities available to me (and you), as long as we are willing to receive them!   I received mine three years ago this month.

My gratitude meter: HIGH!

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Where We Work Makes a Difference!

This past week was truly remarkable. The company I chose to create a career with invited the top 100 income earners to an all expense paid trip to the Don Cesar resort in St. Pete Florida, on the stunning Gulf of Mexico. I'm not sure which blows me away more, the fact that I'm included with this group of people or the fact that I was invited on an all expense paid trip! It was so beautiful!

But what actually happened there trumps any visual beauty. I am so grateful to be a part of such an amazing experience! I'd love to share a few of the highlights of my experience with you. Will you do something though before you read on? Will you think about your life as I share my experience, and ask yourself if you are living your life to the fullest? Because sometimes it's just one small change that can literally change your life. I know it was for me, and I believe from the bottom of my heart that if I can make a simple change in my life and be living my dreams today, so can you. We are the same. So, here we go. We came together to learn together, to grow together, and to be better together. To fellowship. We shared our stories. We all have a story, and though each is different in many ways, we are the same. We are all on a journey. Some had tough childhoods, some were financially broken, some spiritually broken, and some had "everything" but were empty. I've come to realize that we as people are all the same! "Stuff happens" and then we choose how we are going to come out of it. Surrounding yourself with like minded, forward moving, positive people DOES affect you! A lot more than we may want to admit! We all have choices, and we are in life because we've chosen to be here. Powerful, right? We burned our fears together. Literally! We wrote down what holds us back in our lives & businesses, were vulnerable with each other sharing our fears out loud while dropping them into the fire! GOOD BYE! We became unstoppable together.




Saturday we shared in an experience I will never forget! Our company held a promotion during the month of August. It's called "Starts with One" (#startswithone). Each independent distributor in our company would be entered into a drawing when they enrolled one Loyal Customer (someone who shops at a 40% discount) and one new team member who wants to share some life changing products with their friends and earn income. Now, keep in mind, as we do this, we are creating residual income! Win, win right? Take a step toward bettering your situation, earn commission and get into the drawing! Well, the drawing is mind blowing! See our company believes that "Debt Free is the New Sexy"! Our goal is to help you live FREE! Free of stress and debt! Since the average American has $17,000 in credit card debt, why not draw 20 people's names and each "winner" will have $20,000 in debt PAID OFF by our company! BOOM! Just like that! And we did it. We live streamed it! As #15 income earners in our company for the month of August, my husband Ray & I were able to be one of the hands that drew a name of one of the twenty winners. "Shay" won, and believes that with this incredible gift, their family will be completely debt free in 6 months! That is life changing! And all because she took a chance, and did something she'd never done before to change her family’s circumstances! What could be better? We are doing it AGAIN for the month of September! Any distributor can win! It just takes a first step! One Loyal Customer & one Distributor joins you’re existing or new business in September and we will be drawing another 20 names on October 11, 2014! So why can't that be you?

Saturday night we dressed in 1920's attire and attended an amazing roaring 20's party! Oh my gosh, all I could think of while getting dressed was my sweet granddaughters! I kept thinking how big their smiles would be seeing grandma play dress up! They LOVE to play with all the little dresses and accessories! You know what I'm talking about right? The band was amazing, the décor and centerpieces incredible, costumes were totally of the era and the food was extraordinary! We are a Gives Back company, so all around outside the ball room were gaming tables! And all the money collected went to our Gives Back foundation! I can't wait to hear that number! To whom much is given, much is required. I am so proud to represent a company that literally exists to help people change their lives. Whether giving people their sense of confidence back with that crazy wrap thing, getting healthier, losing unwanted weight, looking younger or choosing to change their financial wealth through sharing all of the above! My gratitude meter is high, and I hope you feel this same passion for where you are or what you do!

Thanks for letting me share today!


View the Original Blog Post here http://rondahartman.com/where-we-work-makes-a-difference/

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Dreams about the Good Life!

As I sit here making care calls in my (messy) but peaceful office today, I just had to pause and look around. My gratitude meter is off the charts right now! I love this feeling & I am embracing it in this very moment!

My career is my LIFESTYLE & my passion. I work from my home. I love helping people! My life is full of amazing, positive, motivated people. I've never, ever in all my life experienced it - not like this! As I look at my dream board, I'm thinking wow, it continues to become my reality. Over and over and over. It's ever changing. I look at it every day. I hope you have one too. Mine reminds me of where I'm going so I never lose sight of what will be. It's like a looking into the future! If you haven't made one yet, I strongly encourage you do so. Make one with your family. Get your kiddos involved. Start marking off the things you want for you and your family.

Dreams don't have to all be huge as long as they are significant. I remember Chloe's first dream board included everything from candy bars to a horse! I'm going to share something with you. My hope is you can learn from my experience. Keep dreaming. Push yourself to step outside the life you live today, and really go to the next level. I know, it can be challenging, because sometimes life is challenging. Do it anyway. Continue to dream bigger than you thought you ever could. Don't stop. Don't settle, and go after it! It's so worth it. See, in my last networking job of nearly ten years, I settled. I got comfortable quickly after I achieved my very first goal. It was BIG, don't get me wrong! I replaced my full time income with direct selling and was able to be a stay at home Mom! Big deal! I was scared to death of talking in front of people, so when I say this was huge, I mean it was a GIANT! I grew through that fear, fulfilled my desire to be an at home Mom with a career, and became content. I didn't keep dreaming! I kept working, but not dreaming.

Well, your dreams propel your drive which propels your activity! So, never stop dreaming! Keep working for what you want, no matter how lengthy the journey. After all, it took over ten years of Mom dreaming and working in order for Chloe to get her horse! Was it worth the wait? Oh, I think so!! I learned and I'm a bigger dreamer today than ever before! My lifestyle is my work and my work is my lifestyle. And I wouldn't change a thing!!!

Embrace ‪#‎theGOODlife because it’s yours if you want it!

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What If?

This afternoon I cleaned out a closet and came across a box of Chloe's momento's. So sweet. This is her very first "dream board". She was 6 years old. That was 12 years ago. At that time in our lives we could fulfill a few of her dreams, we covered the candy, cookies and ice cream! (so cute!) But there's a few bigger dreams she had on that board that have just recently become her reality. Yes, dreams really do come true.

Sometimes we just get stuck, don't we? We settle for "this is my life" and we simply stop dreaming. What if she'd never dreamed those big dreams and really believed that one day her dreams would come true? I knew her dreams and as her Mom and Dad we wanted to make that happen.

We can never stop dreaming and we can never let out children stop dreaming! Who cares if it took over a decade to be able to make those dreams reality? It's about what happens on the journey isn't it?

Are you dreaming? Stretching your mind and venturing outside of today? Are you willing to create a vision of a life without boundaries for you and your family? What if? What will it look like? Maybe a home you can call your own? Maybe it even has a big play toy for the kids in your back yard! Maybe it's a more dependable car, or a new fancy car! Maybe it's being able to pay your bills on time, put your child in a private school or includes a dream vacation! Maybe it's being a stay at home parent or just being able to give more... What's on your dream board?

I challenge you to do it! Today! If you have one, re dream and add to it! If you don't, create a visual and do it with your family. Let the kids make their own or create one together. Then, start checking off those small dreams first. For yourself and the kids. It #startswithone, you. One dream, one goal, one action, one step at a time. Work towards what you want, allow your passion and desire lead you. The payoff is tremendous. My heart is full. #kippy #buddy #dreambigger #livethelifeyouwant

"Procrastination will kill your dreams. Action brings them closer to reality." - Ronda Hartman

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Legacy Makers, Dreamers and Believers

Legacy Makers, dreamers, believers. It's who we are. We are the crazy ones who believe we really can change the world, aren't we? And we CAN. After all, we love to pay it forward, don't we? Random acts of kindness. Aaah, it feels so good to give! It's freeing to know you can touch a life of someone you don't even know just by doing something nice. It doesn't have to cost a lot to make a difference. Maybe it's buying the coffee for the car behind you at Starbucks, or covering the difference for the woman who's short on her grocery bill at the checkout. Or anonymously paying off someone's Christmas layaway, or stopping to help the person with a flat tire. Maybe it's just a smile. You never know how you can affect another persons life. What if, you are the only light in their very dark world? What if that smile is the only one they've had in months? We are all givers of hope! It sure doesn't take much to make a difference, we just need to be aware of it and consciously do it!

It's no secret that human trafficking exists. It's just camouflaged behind the "busy" of our daily, free lives. But it is real, it exists everywhere and it takes people like us to help find a way to make it STOP. The question is how. In February, I was able to travel to Thailand with a group of Christian men and women and came up close and personal with this tragedy we call human trafficking. Precious children who's childhoods were ripped from them, women who've only known their value to be as a slave for another's cruelty. No joy, no laughter, no one to protect them, no one to love them. No hope. Just a cold ugly world that doesn't even know they exist. The pain I saw and felt in my soul for those two weeks cannot be put into words. I came back changed. When you know this exists in the world, it's your responsibility to fight for what's right. All God's children are survivors and overcomer's! We create options. We find solutions when there seems to be none. Today I am asking for you to take a moment to learn about a project I'm involved with. My hope is you will be the person who finds it in your heart that yes, I CAN make a difference too. I hope that you will discover a new awareness, and will choose to do what most people won't. Be a difference maker. In many countries, including the Middle East, women rent dresses for special occasions like proms, weddings and so on, versus buying one. This is the concept behind this project. To provide a Christian run business where women can do just that. Go to work. A place to provide a new way to create income and escape the controlled life they've known. A place they can take pride in, doing something of value. Garments of Praise is a project that my friends Nikki, Alicia and I are working on to help raise funds to create a workplace that will employ these broken women by doing custom alterations for special occasion rental dresses. Interesting concept isn't it? Your donations will help to create the space that will provide these jobs, the needed machines and supplies so that these women can learn a new trade and prosper. Something they can take pride in and leave the fear of their trafficked life behind them.

Here's how you can help. By visiting https://warinternational.org/donate/and "designating" your donation specifically to "Garments of Praise, Middle East", any donations you can make will help to provide a place where these women can begin to live again. No donation is too small or too large. Every contribution brings us one step closer to ending human trafficking by creating options. Options for a better life. A life that includes choices that we get to make for ourselves every day. Thank you for being a part of my life, for opening your mind, heart and digging deep to make a difference. Please like our informational page, Garments of Praise, Middle East on fb!

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No Excuses...

Caution!  No excuses!  Today I want to help you discover something about yourself. Something that lies deep within you and is ready to launch you towards a new direction in your life!  How you choose to think about you, yourself, your life and your future is EVERYTHING!   

I am proof that you can do anything you put your mind to. And no matter what, your circumstances do not define you!   These two beliefs have changed my life and if I can choose to act on this belief, so can you!!  When you think you can or you cannot, you are right. Every time.  So when you recognize these limiting beliefs and find yourself saying: "I can't "… (ex…: lose weight, get fit, not eat sugar for 30 days, build a successful business, be a network marketer, make a million dollars and so on) STOP and recognize you are only closing the doors that lead you to the next beautiful chapter of your life!   These words together: "I can't”, are a convenient, ready-made excuse that allows you to fail, usually due to an underlying fear, the fear of failure!  

So when that "fear" grabs ahold of you, try this.  Replace the word "can't" with "won't".  By doing so, you suddenly have to make a conscious decision to settle, or not!  Let's do it…say what you "can't" do right now.   “I can’t ( lose weight, make time to exercise, take my family on a dream vacation, make time to earn extra income, buy a new car or new home, or  build a successful business…)”.  It's pretty easy to feel bad about your circumstances, isn't it?  You've already failed.  Now let's change that approach and own your life!   Say it again, replacing the word "can't" with "won't".   “I won’t ( lose weight, make time to exercise, take my family on a dream vacation, make time to earn any extra income, buy a new car or new home or make time to build a successful business.”  Ouch, right?  You said that!  My question for you is this; how bad do REALLY you want it?  Whatever you fear most is EXACTLY what you NEED to do IF you really want change in your life.  You have that power!  

Let me share a personal experience of my own with you!  I am not a fan of heights!  I am not a thrill seeker when it comes to roller coasters and visiting the top of skyscrapers!  So what did I do?  Last September I jumped out of a perfectly good ( small ) airplane at 12,500 feet of course!  Accompanied by my awesome husband and my 75-year-old mother!  HECK YES we did THAT!!  Scared?  For sure, but determined to have that experience; I suited up, strapped on my helmet and goggles and rolled right out of that plane! Free falling for 8,000 feet at 120mph!   And let me tell you, it was a glorious feeling from the free fall, to the incredible views to my feet touching back down on the ground! And yes, I landed on my feet!  

Never forget these life-changing words, “Whether you think you CAN or think you CAN’T, you’re right”!!  You CAN do anything ~ just DECIDE, do it, and show yourself what you’re made of! Because you CAN!

View the Original Blog Post here http://rondahartman.com/no-excuses/

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What IS #theGOODlife?

It may be different for everyone, but it’s worth thinking about for yourself! Here's what I mean...if you had nothing but choices, I mean a life with no boundaries, what would that look like for you & your family? I know…you have to really drop your walls and take a deep breath because most of us convince ourselves that, "Life is what it is". I know this because I did a time or two in my life. I'm going to challenge you! 

For me, the GOOD life is simply spending more time doing the things I love! That I am passionate about! It's really having FREEDOM! I won't go into my list, because freedom can mean difference things for different people. Maybe for you that's spending more time with family, with your spouse, being at home with your kiddos, vacationing, giving more, being a "Yes" parent instead of a "We can't afford that" parent, maybe it would include a new home or car, or not having to wake up to an alarm clock or fight awful traffic every day! Maybe it's having NO financial stress! No burdensome bills coming in and having to decide which to pay and which will have to wait. Oh, I have been there! Woo, that makes me want to cry. Maybe it's living your life debt free, owing nothing to anyone! Can you imagine it? Whatever YOUR good life looks like, it is freedom from the restraints in life that most people settle for. I'm here to tell you that you can have that life! It #startswithone. One brave decision, and belief in yourself! I made that brave decision, I've grown through it and it's changed EVERYTHING about my life. That brave decision has also helped many others to do the same thing. 

What will "the GOOD life" look like for you?!

View the Original Blog post here http://rondahartman.com/what-is-thegoodlife/

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I’VE NEVER BEEN THE POPULAR GIRL

My parents did the best they could raising us. I think most of us can say that. They divorced when I was 12 & soon afterwards my Dad moved out of the state. I learned a lot from them. Some I would choose to repeat when raising my own children & some things I would do very differently. My kids are doing the same thing with their children today. I believe wanting better for our kids is what can change generations to come! For me, growing up I heard lot of no’s. Things like “We can’t afford that.” Money doesn’t grow on trees!” “That’s too expensive.” As a single Mom, a Disney vacation never entered her thoughts; at least it was never spoken. She worked very hard for us, but she had already settled for “broke.” Do you know what I mean? Where she was would be where she stayed, never seeing change, settling I suppose. This would remain her “normal” and still is today at almost 76 years young! She is happy for the most part, but was never able to break free of seeing life any differently. We all do the best we can do, and so did my Mom. I love her to pieces & am very grateful for the life lessons she’s shown me. I believe our upbringing, our mindset, and our current circumstances do not define us or tell the rest of our story. Instead, they simply challenge us to show what we are made of and choose to create the life we really want! Choices. There really are choices that can change everything as we know it. As I grew, I knew that for my family, for me, I knew I wanted a life full of yeses! A life full of “why not’s”!

I’ve always been a people person! Never the “popular girl” in school, a bit of a wallflower I guess… Shy. I was never a mean girl or hung out with the kids who made fun of other kids. My Mom taught me that all people are created equal, and for than I am eternally grateful! So throughout my life, my heart was always tugged in directions to help people. Even some of my career choices; working in the weight loss industry was one of my J.O.B.S. (Just Over Broke) that allowed me to do just that. There’s no greater gift than helping other people. One of my all time favorite quotes is by John Maxwell, “When you help enough people get what they want, you will get what you want.” A sense of fulfillment, I’ve found this to be true and it’s become my life’s design. When you focus on others, the good in that comes back to you. And you can’t put a price tag on that!

So, I love life, I take risks, I work hard, I have a lot of fun & I look at every day as an opportunity to be more, to do more & to give more. I believe it’s possible to change the world we live in. One person at a time. One act of kindness at a time. One attitude at a time. I’ll never, ever settle because I think when I do others will follow. I’ll push myself every day to continue to grow, to embrace the blessings & the gifts God has given me and simply do my best. But stretch, just a little bit more. And maybe, just maybe, I can inspire someone else to do the same.

View the Original Blog Post here http://rondahartman.com/ive-never-been-the-popular-girl/

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TAGGED: INSPIRATION, ITSTARTSWITHONE, ITWORKS, RONDA HARTMAN

An Interview With Ronda Hartman

Q: What would you say is the Key to your Success?

Ronda Hartman:  “Focus on the success of others, and success will follow you”

Q: How did you choose It Works?

Ronda Hartman:  On September 22, 2011 I was online and came across a little ad that said “See results in as little as 45 minutes” I clicked on it, and that very moment changed everything for me and my family. I signed on before I even tried a wrap! I listened to my inner voice, and it told me, “If this does what they say it does, everyone will want it!” It was true, my passion grew quickly and it became evident that “I” didn’t find It Works, It Works found me! When you have your hands on something that really works, you can’t help but share it! It’s like watching a great movie or dining at an amazing restaurant! It’s just not right to keep it to yourself!

Q: How has It Works made a difference in your work and family life?

Ronda Hartman: Times were tough before It Works found me. My income had fallen substantially and we were really no longer a two income family. We had been going backwards for a few years. This opportunity has allowed us to pay off the $18,000 in credit card debt we had accrued, finish our basement as a team training center, purchase 5 vehicles ( and not just for us ) and the list goes on. My husband Ray is “rewired” and we are home together doing what we both love! Spending time together and building our business! We have traveled to many states all around our beautiful country and met so many great people!
We have three daughters, two of which live in Washington State along with our five grandkids and we can now visit them every 6-8 weeks! I was recently able to attend a 2-week mission trip to Thailand to aid in the fight against human trafficking, one of my major dream board trips.

Having the ability to do the things most people only dream of… this is our life and we are so grateful! We’re building our future, showing our kids the possibilities and creating a nest egg for retirement one day. The best part is that we get to show others the way for themselves. The last 2 1/2 years have been humbling, rewarding and we are truly living #theGOODlife!

Q: What would you tell someone that was considering joining It Works?

Ronda Hartman: My advice, take a leap of faith! Believe that you and your family can have freedom from financial burden; quantity of time together, not just quality time. Trust in your abilities and be a sponge. Absorb and apply all you can from the people who have done what you aspire to do. Be fearless, choose an attitude of gratitude & work for what you want! Know that you are not chained to your circumstances; your dreams are your possibilities! Your possibilities are endless. It starts with one good decision. Make this your time!

Q: How is It Works different from other work from home opportunities?

Ronda Hartman: I love that our products really work! I love that! Our name says it all! What really makes It Works different is our foundation and our culture. God, family, one team, one mission. Our CEO Mark Pentecost, his wife Cindy and our Chief Networking officer Pam Sowder are servant leaders. When you set the bar high and lead by example, you have an extraordinary culture! As Mark says, “We don’t compete against each other, we complete each other” and together we grow successful teams, show people we can all dream and dream big because lives really do change here!

View the Original Interview here http://rondahartman.com/an-interview-with-ronda

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