The concept of time has always baffled me. It never happens fast enough, then you beg for it to slow down just a little... We are fickle like that. I know I am at least. My youngest child turned 6 years old yesterday. I think I'm handling it well! He's 6 going on 12! That's because that's his brother's age, & he is his biggest fan!

I don't like the concept of growing up not just for my kids, but for me as well. I've finally have began to start being nice to that little girl again. She's not so little anymore...That's alright. Next year, I'll be turning 40! I want to normalize aging gracefully! I'm kind of excited to be honest! New decade. I don't feel like I'm almost 40 most days. Let's just say some days are better than others.

I'm in the season of tons of laundry piled up to the max, house not in order, kids running back and forth through the house being loud! Most days, I'm okay with it, but this is growing up right?!?

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I want to scream from the roof tops and call bullshit! I would rather spend time with my family than clean, but I know for me to work better mentally, I need a clean space to do it in. I've been trying to make the most of this last month. 

As I reflect back on this year, I realize that 3/4 of the time I was probably in auto-pilot mode. I don't like that. I definitely want to be more present! I also picked the guitar back up, writing, and took a few astrology classes. I don't care about having fame for making a song that hits! I mean I wouldn't be upset if that happened. I made a promise to myself that I was going to do more things that brought me joy, whether it paid the bills or not! For the most part, I have kept up my end of the bargain!

I've learned so much about taking care of my little self. If I don't take care of her. I can't take care of my boys, but no one told me this was growing up. Sure paying bills and all those mundane day to day tasks. But what about this dream we were promised? Guess what? 

We were lied to... don't get your panties in a wad! We were all lied to. We were told if we followed the rules and what we were supposed to do things would just happen, but there's a secret to all of it!

Do you want to know the secret? Consistency, Authenticity, Kindness, Networking, Community. All of these things matter in order for any of us to be successful. I mean sure I guess you don't have to be kind to be successful, but it definitely doesn't hurt to be kind. 

I've done a lot of self reflecting this year. We've got one month left of the year. I want to maximize what I can get done before the New Year. So, I guess this is growing up, making sure you make the most out of your time, because when it comes down to it. Time is the most precious commodity we have on this Earth, and I want to spend it with those that I cherish the most.

So, I decided to write this article about the promo side of my consulting business. It's a separate business called Swag & Promo Solutions.

I've had several people reach out. Some knew exactly what they wanted!

Others had no idea what kind of services and products we offer! They almost seemed lost like they knew they needed it, but did not even know where to begin.

So, today I'm here to break it down! Why do you need it? What products we offer. 

So, If you're interested in how to make more impressions, we're talking IRL (In Real Life, for those who just don't like acronyms, I get you; I see you!) impressions for your business, brand, or company. Stick around, and read below on why your business could grow and thrive with promo products!

Promo Products include your brand, your message, or your brand's mission statement. You need to find a promo company who can help you go through all the questions & steps along the way that you may have. 
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First off, I do enjoy therapy, but I seriously feel like it's such a waste of time until the moment I get into the office and sit down and talk things out! I for some reason build this idea in my head,​ that I don't have the time for this right now.

Time is my biggest commodity right now. As a working mom, who home-schools, and runs a business. It is hard to find time to do anything, especially when it comes to my self care/ mental health!

I'm not knocking therapy I think it's actually amazing, but when you're overwhelmed and have a long list of things to do. You don't exactly want to waste your time driving to your appointment to sit and talk for an hour, but I do it, because I know I need it! 

So, my last therapy session we came up with originally with 5 P's to make my life more manageable and in hopes relieve some overwhelm and anxiety I deal with on a daily basis. You can see a short version of this on my Instagram as a reel and carousal. 

Patience! This to me is laughable! I'm one of those people who likes things to happen fast!  The only thing that slows me down is my responsibilities, like my children & my spouse! I take time for the people I love, but having so many responsibilities makes this very difficult.

Also, having patience in business is very difficult! You spend all this time on your "baby", your business. Then wonder why it's not working for you? There usually are a few reasons things don't roll out for you right away, but that's another topic for another day!

Mind of Matter is truly a real thing! Keeping a positive mindset definitely helps with the daily overwhelm and responsibilities throughout the day to day!

You want to make sure your mindset remains positive. Plus, positivity truly is contagious! No one wants to be around a "negative Nancy!" Now, I want to be clear I don't want you or me or anyone to go around being a "Pollyanna!" There is definitely a healthy balance to it! 

It's incredibly easy to get wrapped up in the world around you and lose track of all the things. Instead what I like to do, is focus on what I CAN control. Rather than, focusing on what I can't control!

This is simple if you're this type of person! I'm not! I'm chaotic! I have to make an extreme effort in planning to get anything done at all! It's truly a vice, but I want to say I'm getting better at it!

Batching my content and getting things done when they need to be done. There is  a term "Eat the Frog." This basically means get your hardest task done first in the day that way it's finished, and you can move on to easier tasks.  

Also time blocking is huge in our house! We home school so we have to block out our time or it's complete chaos! Plus most of us thrive on routine. So get one set in place. Even if it's not set in stone. You'll eventually figure out your rhythm of the day and what works for you and what does not work for you!

We are big on the pomodoro method, which means you work for a certain amount of time then allow yourself a break. I typically can work longer by myself. My 2 boys are much different I'm lucky if I get 20- 30 minutes out of them sitting still and working. They need "brain breaks" to shake off all that extra energy! 

Yep! You sure are! You're kidding yourself! This is the Impostor Syndrome aka feeling like a fraud, maybe like you're not good enough, you doubt your skill set or abilities.

If you keep telling yourself that; you will eventually begin to believe it!

Today we are talking about the dreaded impostor syndrome. Most of us go through this! It's how our brain's way is hard-wired to protect ourselves. Our brain is designed to protect us at all costs, and if you get an icky angst-like feeling, guess what?
It's completely normal! It has taken me years for me to figure this out! I still work on this daily. ​​ 

The way you talk to yourself in your own head or out loud is so important!  This is the most important relationship you will ever have in your life, the relationship with yourself!  So, give yourself some grace.

I bet you give your friends and family grace all the time. We are so nice to the people we love, admire, & respect, but sometimes we can be the biggest bullies to ourselves with negative self-talk.

​You got to quit that shit, or you will start to believe it. ​Below are 5 tips to help cope with impostor syndrome.