Rae Jones's Blog, page 9

I am ‘Selected’. YAY!

Recently, I signed up for the ‘Amazon Select’ program. Which means… well… I’m not sure exactly. Other than from now until sometime in July, Amazon has ‘selected’ me.

Maybe it means I win a super secret special prize?

But, I think that all it really means is that from now until July, my books will be available EXCLUSIVELY through Amazon. (See, click right here)

(Enter the obligatory break-up conversation: “Sorry Barnes & Noble, but I think we need a break. I mean, I’ve been seeing other booksellers and I really want to give this one a chance. I see potential long term with them that I just don’t see with you right now”)

I’ve been happy with the ‘Selection’ process, selling/lending and giving away over 1,000 copies of ‘How to Create Wealth’. It was even an ‘Amazon Best Seller’ for a couple of days. So, if you haven’t checked out my shop, do it today.

How to Create Wealth (2011)

Reviews:

“Easy techniques and strategies that ANYONE can use to help their finances regardless of income. So many ‘create wealth’ books only give practical advice for those who already have comfortable incomes. This books puts things in perspective for people of all income types and gives encouragement that regardless of income you can create realistic attainable goals. Fun, quick read to the point and easy to use techniques.”

“This book is so simple, so down to earth, so REAL. Yes folks, as much as I wanted something that was going to tell me how to magically manifest millions of dollars, I came to this which gave me the real tools and techniques that actually work.”

Synopsis: Ms. Jones humorously talks about finances and budgets like she talks about diets. Almost everyone needs to work on both, but prefers to avoid the topic if at all possible. This book is full of easy to read information, worksheets and baby steps for those who think budgets are too hard to follow. Learn how you can have $20k in your pocket in 10 years. Highly recommended for anyone thinking (and/or stressing) about their money.

ISBN-13: 978-1463728007 $9.95 (paperback)

ISBN-10: 146372800X $2.99 (e-book)

Purchase Options:

Amazon

CreateSpace

IndieBound

Powells

I am 'Selected'. YAY!

Recently, I signed up for the 'Amazon Select' program. Which means… well… I'm not sure exactly. Other than from now until sometime in July, Amazon has 'selected' me.

Maybe it means I win a super secret special prize?

But, I think that all it really means is that from now until July, my books will be available EXCLUSIVELY through Amazon. (See, click right here)

(Enter the obligatory break-up conversation: "Sorry Barnes & Noble, but I think we need a break. I mean, I've been seeing other booksellers and I really want to give this one a chance. I see potential long term with them that I just don't see with you right now")

I've been happy with the 'Selection' process, selling/lending and giving away over 1,000 copies of 'How to Create Wealth'. It was even an 'Amazon Best Seller' for a couple of days. So, if you haven't checked out my shop, do it today.

How to Create Wealth (2011)

Reviews:

"Easy techniques and strategies that ANYONE can use to help their finances regardless of income. So many 'create wealth' books only give practical advice for those who already have comfortable incomes. This books puts things in perspective for people of all income types and gives encouragement that regardless of income you can create realistic attainable goals. Fun, quick read to the point and easy to use techniques."

"This book is so simple, so down to earth, so REAL. Yes folks, as much as I wanted something that was going to tell me how to magically manifest millions of dollars, I came to this which gave me the real tools and techniques that actually work."

Synopsis: Ms. Jones humorously talks about finances and budgets like she talks about diets. Almost everyone needs to work on both, but prefers to avoid the topic if at all possible. This book is full of easy to read information, worksheets and baby steps for those who think budgets are too hard to follow. Learn how you can have $20k in your pocket in 10 years. Highly recommended for anyone thinking (and/or stressing) about their money.

ISBN-13: 978-1463728007 $9.95 (paperback)

ISBN-10: 146372800X $2.99 (e-book)

Purchase Options:

Amazon

CreateSpace

IndieBound

Powells

Opinion: Walking a mile in her shoes

I saw this on my Tumbler feed the other day courtesy of Wil Wheaton. First, if you don't know who Will Wheaton is, you, my friend, are in for a rare treat. He is, a Demi-God in the vast Universe known as the Internet, as well as the dorky cute kid named Wesley Crusher on Star Trek Next Generation.

Remember him now?

This is his Universe: (click here for a link to everything he touches)

(oh and p.s. he has also touched The Bloggess – hopefully with her permission, but you can see the pictures here and here)

Anyway, this post really isn't about Wil Wheaton (or The Bloggess – sorry). It is about something that he REPOSTED that I saw and thought was worth pointing out and having a conversation.

This was the re-post:

************

"We were discussing homosexuality because of an allusion to it in the book we were reading, and several boys made comments such as, "That's disgusting." We got into the debate and eventually a boy admitted that he was terrified/disgusted when he was once sharing a taxi and the other male passenger made a pass at him.

The lightbulb went off. "Oh," I said. "I get it. See, you are afraid, because for the first time in your life you have found yourself a victim of unwanted sexual advances by someone who has the physical ability to use force against you." The boy nodded and shuddered visibly.

"But," I continued. "As a woman, you learn to live with that from the time you are fourteen, and it never stops. We live with that fear every day of our lives. Every man walking through the parking garage the same time you are is either just a harmless stranger or a potential rapist. Every time."

The girls in the room nodded, agreeing. The boys seemed genuinely shocked.

"So think about that the next time you hit on a girl. Maybe, like you in the taxi, she doesn't actually want you to.""

************

Chew on that for a bit my friends, and tell me your thoughts.

My humble opinion:

It is so easy to judge. So easy to cast stones. But it seems only when the shoe is on the other foot, does one realize that, in fact, the shoe doesn't fit so well.

Respect is more than just a two way street. It is something which radiates and orbits from your entire being. When you respect yourself and respect everyone around you (in words, thoughts and actions) those respectful vibrations pour forth in all directions like rays from the sun. (I know, that sounds a little woo-woo).

My point is:

Times are changing. Which means the way we think about things has to change too. Namely how we interact with each other. It seems as though our culture, bred from war, continues to propagate that energy. From the ideas and verbal assaults about marriage (gay, straight or interracial), the war about religion/beliefs, war over politics, the war of the sexes (hello healthcare/reproductive health issue) and let's not forget the war which has been going on for over 10 years in an area that, for all intensive purposes, was the cradle of civilization.

Isn't it about time to change things?

Isn't it time to propogate peace, respect and kindness rather than aggression and war? It sure would relieve a lot of stress.

It all begins with you.

Looks like someone needs a budget…

Dear people of America,

Is this true?

Is consumer spending growing faster than paychecks? (click to read the article from Huffington Post)

Looks like there are quite a few people out there in need of budgeting help.

Saving rates are down, spending rates are up, that means less money in your pocket at the end of the month.

That's not good.

Listen up, it is time you and me, we had ourselves a little heart to heart. I love you and care about you and am telling you this from the deepest parts which adore you.

YOU CANNOT SPEND MORE THAN YOU MAKE WITHOUT GOING INTO DEBT.

That is a fact, jack.

You need to do these things, in order.

1. Get a piece of paper and a pencil,

2. Sit down

3. click HERE and buy this book to painlessly step you through the rest of the process in setting up a budget.

4. Use the book to create a plan to get rid of all of your credit card debt.

5. Use the Penny Challenge (in the book) to accumulate savings.

6. Plan for the long term and take advantage of the time that is on your side.

It doesn't have to be difficult!

In fact, I am here to help you.

Much love,

Rae

Embrace your Trajectory!

Much of the stress in our life is caused by doing things we would rather not be doing. Expectations of others (and ourselves) which we are trying to live up to.

Well, my friends, I am here to tell you,

Stop it.



Stop trying to live for someone else, be what they want you to be, and fulfilling an imaginary expectation that you will never fulfill.

Just stop it now.

Instead, Embrace your Trajectory!

You are an amazing person with talents, gifts, abilities and passions that are just waiting to be shared with the world. Embrace those things! It is the simple questions of:

* What were you born to do?

* What does your heart tell you to do?

Most of our lives we waste spend chasing food, sex, attention, knowledge, security and – most of all – money. I'm not saying that these things are not important, what i am saying is that these things become very empty very fast if we aren't living a life we love.

This is a lesson I learned the hard way.

It's not easy to take steps toward doing what you love for a living, but the three steps are simple.

First: Identify your passion.



I found, I loved writing. I loved writing even more when I was traveling. The change in scenery, the new people and cultures just seemed to spurn my creative juices. My passion is traveling and writing. That is it, pretty simple.

Second: Develop Competency

Take a class, improve your skills somehow. You don't have to be the best, your passion will make up for lack of natural talent. But, you do need to constantly improve.

I flunked English in high school, and I do not have an MFA or any writing credentials or education under my belt. But, I love it AND, I am willing to put some work in to make up for my lack of formal education. Which means, I'm reading more than I ever have, I am going to writers workshops and meet ups, and studying.

Third: Find a way to market yourself doing what you love.

Tell everyone you know what you are doing, what your passion is, what your dreams and goals are. I bet you will be surprised at how much support you get. Set up Facebook, Twitter, Tumbler and other Social Media pages for what you are doing. Look into partnerships, collaborations and other ways of getting the word out. Go to festivals, meet-ups, and get out there!

I write about this, because I am still in the midst of this process. It is a daunting task and I understand why more people stay in lives and jobs they hate rather than take a proactive approach to change.

Change causes stress.

Unhappiness causes stress.

It ends up being a damned if you do, damned if you don't scenerio.

HOWEVER (this is a big however), I do know of some people who have done these things very well. Forged the way for people like me (a list of these folks are below).

Besides wouldn't you rather live with a smile on your face doing what you love?

List of awesome people who are living their passion.

Nye Walker – Computer & Website awesomeness

Angel True – Life Coach

Endi Clark – A Producer of Bellydance Uncorked

Krisha Cat – Owner of Pole for the Soul

Katrina McCoy – Owner of Skin Deep Dance

Allen Sparks – Artist and Craftsman

Caelan Huntress – Pura Vida MultiMedia

There are a ton of other people out there (many who don't show up on a google search – and even more who I have forgotten to list) with incredible talents and abilities they have yet to advertise. Shop local! Support the people who are pursuing their passions, and take a step today to cultivate and embrace your own trajectory!

(and if you are still stressed, you can always get one of my books)

SUCCESS!!!

I have spent the last two days giving away my book on How To Create Wealth, for FREE!

It was a great success! I 'sold' over 500 copies on Amazon in two days and broke into the Best Sellers list!

See—>

On Day 1, I was #1 on the Kindle Store for Money Management AND Budgeting

On Day 2, I was #2

YAAAAAY!

If each person were to follow the advice in the book and create even just $5000 in their lives (the book outlines how to have $20,000 – but I will conservatively estimate that the advice is only followed 25% of the time), I have basically just given away ==== (wait for it):

$2,500,000

That's right! I just gave away:

TWO MILLION, FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS!

How is that for Creating Wealth?!

If you missed out on the two day give-away, you can still receive the benefit! E-books are now priced at just $2.99 while paperbacks are at $9.95

Don't wait, Get your copy today and start creating wealth in your life!

The 48 Hour Giveaway

Today, the New Moon in Aries, marks the beginning of a 48 hour giveaway I am sponsoring. (Read more HERE) I could tell you why you should get my book, what you will receive and try to sell you on the idea of purchase….

But, instead, I will leave you with this:

To let things flow, you have to flow. Be Like Water (thanks Bruce).

Creating Wealth is MORE than just Money. UPDATED

Creating Wealth is about CREATING it.

All around you.

All the time.



Wealth is more than money, it is about the things which fulfill you at a deep level. It could be friends, relationships, hobbies, art, work, or helping people. It is about drawing out the best gifts of those around you, to make this world a better place. And yes, sometimes those gifts also include MONEY. Because, let's face it, in general, when we don't have to worry about money, we are less stressed.

So.

Here we go.

My contribution.

I will. For 48 hours, give away my most popular book (in e-format), FREE.

How to Create Wealth

FREE

for 48 hours.

From 12am (PST) on March 22nd

(the New Moon),

until 11:59pm (PST) on March 24th,

you can receive "How to Create Wealth" as an E-Book from Amazon for FREE.

My gift to you. To help get your finances in order (and hopefully relieve some unneeded stress).

The Details:

When: Thursday, March 22, 2012 to Saturday, March 24, 2012

Where: How to Create Wealth on Amazon

Why: To cultivate and create wealth for everyone.

How: In the US, just click the link and download your free Kindle book from Amazon.

*Please confirm that the book price is listed as $0.00. Sometimes it takes Amazon an extra couple hours to complete the price adjustment. After these two days, this book will not be offered for free again. It will return to its regular price of $2.99 for an e-book. ALSO -> This promotion is for the e-book ONLY, the paperback price will not change and will still be offered at $9.95

What:

Summery: Ms. Jones humorously talks about finances and budgets like she talks about diets. Almost everyone needs to work on both, but prefers to avoid the topic if at all possible. This book is chock full of easy to read information, worksheets and baby steps for those who think budgets are too hard to follow. She emphasizes a spending plan, eliminating debt and her secret way to get almost $5k of free money and have close to $20k in your pocket in 10 years. This is a must-read book for anyone who's looking for a little basic financial information and a whole lot of courage. The book is condensed, the points are concise and the reading is FUN. Highly recommend for anyone thinking (and/or stressing) about their money.

**Get one for yourself and gift as many as you like for your friends through the Amazon Gift button**

**Leave reviews, feedback and comments**

And please SHARE SHARE SHARE and spread the wealth!

(Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, etc, etc, etc – take to the Social Media Airwaves!)

Enjoy!

xoxo

On Twitter, I've created a Hashtag = #WealthIsMoreThanMoney

UPDATE: The Giveaway starts tonight! Please leave reviews, or comments on Amazon about what you found helpful in this book, and don't forget to share! 48 hours of freebies starts in just a little bit!

Creating Wealth is MORE than just Money.

Creating Wealth is about CREATING it.

All around you.

All the time.



Wealth is more than money, it is about the things which fulfill you at a deep level. It could be friends, relationships, hobbies, art, work, or helping people. It is about drawing out the best gifts of those around you, to make this world a better place. And yes, sometimes those gifts also include MONEY. Because, let's face it, in general, when we don't have to worry about money, we are less stressed.

So.

Here we go.

My contribution.

I will. For 48 hours, give away my most popular book (in e-format), FREE.

How to Create Wealth

FREE

for 48 hours.

From 12am (PST) on March 22nd

(the New Moon),

until 11:59pm (PST) on March 24th,

you can receive "How to Create Wealth" as an E-Book from Amazon for FREE.

My gift to you. To help get your finances in order (and hopefully relieve some unneeded stress).

The Details:

When: Thursday, March 22, 2012 to Saturday, March 24, 2012

Where: How to Create Wealth on Amazon

Why: To cultivate and create wealth for everyone.

How: In the US, just click the link and download your free Kindle book from Amazon.

*Please confirm that the book price is listed as $0.00. Sometimes it takes Amazon an extra couple hours to complete the price adjustment. After these two days, this book will not be offered for free again. It will return to its regular price of $2.99 for an e-book. ALSO -> This promotion is for the e-book ONLY, the paperback price will not change and will still be offered at $9.95

What:

Summery: Ms. Jones humorously talks about finances and budgets like she talks about diets. Almost everyone needs to work on both, but prefers to avoid the topic if at all possible. This book is chock full of easy to read information, worksheets and baby steps for those who think budgets are too hard to follow. She emphasizes a spending plan, eliminating debt and her secret way to get almost $5k of free money and have close to $20k in your pocket in 10 years. This is a must-read book for anyone who's looking for a little basic financial information and a whole lot of courage. The book is condensed, the points are concise and the reading is FUN. Highly recommend for anyone thinking (and/or stressing) about their money.

**Get one for yourself and gift as many as you like for your friends through the Amazon Gift button**

**Leave reviews, feedback and comments**

And please SHARE SHARE SHARE and spread the wealth!

(Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, etc, etc, etc – take to the Social Media Airwaves!)

Enjoy!

xoxo

On Twitter, I've created a Hashtag = #WealthIsMoreThanMoney

Expectations are a killer

I have high expectations.

(okay, okay, very high expectations)

Ask anyone who knows me. I am constantly striving to be the very best at whatever I am attempting. Which also translates to having high expectations of those around me.

This can be problematic.

For example, when I was in high school and not getting very good grades (flunking history and english), and there were talks of "Gosh, I hope she graduates." I decided I would not only graduate, but also have multiple majors (History, Sociology, Business), pay for college in cash and get my MBA. Yes, I have an MBA, and I have zero in student loans.

Most recently, last year when I sat down to write and publish a book, I didn't just write one…. I wrote seven.

With four more currently taunting me from my desk. Do I feel as though I have met my goal of 'writing a book'?

No.

Why you ask?

Because although I have written seven books, I still don't feel as though 'I am done', I don't feel as though they are long enough, or descriptive enough, or have enough information, or a better story or, or, or 'they are good enough'.

There… I said it,

I don't feel like I am doing it good enough.

I don't feel as though I am doing 'LIFE' good enough.

All of these accomplishments I have had in my life really don't mean much to me, because, I look back and think:

"Gosh, I really could have done that better."

This is problematic and causes me tremendous stress, and aparently there is a word for it:

(Look it up, I'm not lying: Atelophobia)

This fear and Stress translates into tension in my friendships, relationships and interactions with other human beings. Not exactly optimum for a sustainable future.

My logical brain KNOWS this.

But, my emotions and feelings… they could give a Rat's Ass.

THIS IS WHY I AM *SOMEWHAT* OBSESSED WITH STRESS MANAGEMENT

This is also why I look into alternative therapies, 'How to 'retrain your brain' workshops, different nutrition and exercise programs. It is why I have bucked against the norm, why I have done things my own way.

Truth is: The expectations of 'Normal' drive me crazy with stress and anxiety.