Elizabeth Bourgeret's Blog, page 10

I Picked Up A Hitch-Hiker Today...

It's true.  I don't know what came over me, or why I decided to stop for THIS particular transient, but I did.  He was just sitting on the side of the on-ramp holding a sigh saying I-70 West.  I pulled over and sat while he opened the back door.  And for someone without a home, he was not lacking in supplies!  He launched a backpack in that was at least the same size he was and then his black lab pup bounded her way into the back seat.  He went back to his spot and grabbed another bag and an energy drink.

He stuck his hand out and said, "Hi.  My name's Travis.  Thanks."
And thus was my introduction to the hitch-hiking world!

I was only able to take him a few dozen miles, but he seemed grateful to save his sneakers a few steps.  He was bright and energetic and yes, he needed a bath in a bad way.  Nothing that a little fresh air couldn't fix.  

He told me how he has traveled from California to New York all through the generosity of people he's met along the way.  He told me stories of the beautiful countryside and pleasant people.  He explained places that he finds shelter and how he still keeps in contact with his family along the way.  Sometimes he'll travel alone.  Sometimes he travels with people who happen to be heading his way.  Friends come and go and new ones replace the old.  He is currently heading back "home" to California to spend time with family.

I'm sure you're thinking, what has happened to this poor man that has left him homeless?  Nothing.  It was a choice.  His friend asked if he'd like to go along on this grand adventure, and apparently nothing else was going on in his life that was important enough to stay for.  So, he packed his things, grabbed his dog and off they went.

And it's not that he "can't" do anything else, either.  He has proudly served his country in the military, he has formal education in business and sales marketing and is a Jack-of-all-trades as well. 

I can't help but admire his no-fear attitude.  I am jealous of the up-close and personal relationship that he has found with this beautiful, amazing country.  And while I am not ready to give up all the cushy comforts of home, you all know how much I love to travel, (and talk about a different perspective!!), I am happy that I was able to join him on an itty-bitty potion of living out his dreams.  Our trip was over too soon and if I could have, I would have been happy to take him even further.

I dropped him off at the McDonalds so he could use their wi-fi and unfortunately, I had no money to give him, so I gave him my intended dinner and sent him and his pup on their way.  

Not once was a afraid for my life.  Not once did he behave inappropriately.  And I enjoyed our conversation immensely.  If I had more time, I would have been happy to take him further down the highway.  In just our short acquaintance I have learned to look at the side of the highways in a different light, and to not judge another's idea of what "living a dream" should be.  

30 Day Kindness Challenge

I got so much response from my Put A Little Love In Your Heart & Share It blog, that I've decided to put some things into action!  Thank you for your feed back (and compliments on the picture, lol, that was very kind of you!) but for a minute there, I thought I was the only one who felt this way or saw the lack of human connection!

I've decided to create a 30 Day Kindness Challenge and I'm inviting you to participate with me! 
Here's why:
     - We all need to feel loved and valued but sometimes it takes giving love to receive it.  So this is a great opportunity to give love to others and feel the benefit of just... giving.
     - It feels good.
     - In our high-tech world, it has become apparent that we are slipping further and further away from our relationships with other humans.  The challenge takes us away from the computer and cell phones, and puts us in play with others.
     - If the response is anything like what I'm thinking, this could become a worldwide event!  How awesome would it be to say you were a part of a Love Challenge that went WORLDWIDE!!  I've already gotten commitments from FOUR other countries!!  
     - Love is contagious.  Maybe it takes YOU to start the trend and it will take off from there...

But why now?  Sure, it makes sense to start on the first day of the new month, but I got so excited from the response that one thing just led to another... and you know, bam, a challenge was created!  I just felt the need to get started right away while the iron was hot.

                   So- the 30 Day Kindness Challenge will begin 
                            June 15th through July 14th.

They say that a new habit can take hold by repeating the action for at least two weeks.  BUT, it is 80% MORE likely to stick if it is practiced for thirty days!  It is also proven that kindness isn't necessarily a trait that we are born with, but it IS an action that can be learned if taught and practiced.  It's true, apparently, there are those out there in the world that don't know how to give or receive kindness.  SO- I'm hoping to change the world for the next thirty days, and I'd like for you to come along!

I know that there are tons of excuses running through your head right now as to why you can't (or won't) participate... "I'm really busy right now."  "I don't like to talk to people."  "I don't have any money."  I'd really like to impress on you that it's ONLY 30 days and that it won't take up too much of your time.  You control how much time you devote to it!!
 
     - It's COMPLETELY FREE to participate
     - There's NO signing up (or sneaky marketing ploys)
     - There's NO cost (unless you choose)
     - It's be FUN!!!  And I promise you, it WILL be rewarding.
    

All you have to do is commit to 30 days of simple acts of kindness and agree to share your results with the rest of us!  Tell us what you did and what the reaction was (if you were able to see one!)  If you are uncomfortable telling us the specifics (Matthew 6:1) then just share "I did an act of kindness today and the reaction was ______________"  That way we can still share in your joy!

Invite others to participate! (Hebrews 10:24)  Let it be contagious!  I am anxious to see how many we can get to join with us and how far across the globe we can reach!

I'll be right there with you and I'll be encouraging you on this blog as well.

AND~ to keep you inspired and motivated, I've got some prizes to give away at the end of our 30 days!

So without further adieu, let's begin the 30 Day Kindness Challenge!! STEP ONE-  
If you want to join- leave a comment below this blog or follow me on Facebook and leave your commitment statement there!  Let the world know (and me!) that you are stepping up to meet the 30 Day Kindness Challenge!!

STEP TWO-
Spread the word!!  It's always more fun doing stuff with friends!  And think of all the new things you could think of when you have someone else plotting with you!

STEP THREE-
Get Out There and Do Your Thing!  Show some love!  Spread a little kindness!  Need some ideas to get you started?  Check this blog (the one that got this whole thing started!) for a few ideas!  Need more ideas?  Follow me on Facebook and read the comments that others are leaving!  This is one time I give you permission to steal ideas and put them to your use!! Lol!
Remember, it doesn't begin until June 15th  so that gives you a few days to think of some ideas and maybe set back a few dollars if you're planning to do some monetary kindness.  There are SO many opportunities to show kindness!  I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with!

STEP FOUR-
Share your progress with the rest of us!  Follow me on Facebook and add your results along with others!  Read what everyone else is doing and pass it along!  Be sure to tell everyone that you're participating in the 30 Day Kindness Challenge and maybe they want to do it too!!


I can't wait to see where this leads!!  It's going to be SO awesome!!  Please share the posts you see on Facebook so we can determine how far and wide we can really get this thing to go!!  Can't wait to read your name below!!
And let me be the first to offer these words of kindness.  You are valued and loved and by participating in the 30 Day Kindness Challenge, you will be helping others feel loved too.  Thank you so much for joining with me!!   Let's go make a difference!!

Put A Little Love In Your Heart- & Share It

The subject for today: Kindness.  Does anyone even know what that means anymore?  Is it such a difficult thing to do? 

I was people watching the other day, (something I LOVE to do... usually) and I have to say that it was a sad turn of events.  It seemed like every single person was having a bad day.  I was outside sitting on a bench watching people of all age groups, shapes, sizes and colors, meander about.  It was a beautiful day, not too hot, not too cold and the sun was shining.  That's enough right there for me to be grinning like an idiot at everyone that passes... hmm, maybe I was.  That's why I wasn't getting responses!

I digress.  As I am watching the folks I couldn't help but notice the extreme LACK of kindness.  Just in general.  The workers at the food truck did not smile at their customers.  The parents were short with their children.  Passersby lacked common manners when accidentally bumping into one another.  Family units separated by technology and passing up this amazing time to interact.  No one held open the door for ANYONE!  How have we come so far from common decency toward our fellow man? Are we all so busy that we can't stop for a moment and recognize the person standing next to us, sitting across from us, or smile back at me!!!

What is kindness?  Maybe we have skipped a generation where that was taught?  Is kindness a characteristic or is it something that can be learned?  Are we born to naturally be kind and then lose it along the way as we shift our thinking to the "me first" mentality?  Or is it something that we don't even notice until it is brought to our attention?

Well... here I am.  Bringing it to your attention.

Kindness means seeing the value in every person we meet.  Every person.  Some might take a little bit of searching, but there is value there.  And not just seeing the value, but acting on it.

We as humans were made for relationships.  We were born to be integrated into tribes.  We need each other to survive.  Yes, yes, I know, there's an exception to every rule, but for the most part, we need to be loved and appreciated by others.  Kindness is just a form of that love.  A smile, a nod, a kind gesture... all ways of expressing that a person is valued.  It's that simple people.  

"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." 
- Aesop

What are you doing to show kindness to others?  It doesn't take a whole production, it could be something simple as:
     - letting someone with fewer items go ahead of you in the grocery line
     - buy the person's coffee behind you in the drive-thru lane
     - opening the door for someone
     - letting another driver over during traffic
     - smiling at the teller at the bank
     - adding coins to the charity bucket of your choice
     - putting down your cell phone when a loved one comes in the room to talk to you
     - watching what your kids want to watch instead of your choice
     - slipping a note into your husband's lunch.  
     - complimenting a stranger
     - leaving a gift for someone anonymously
     - offering to do a chore around the house
     - helping out a co-worker or classmate with an assignment
     - offering a smile... 

What kind things have you done today?  How are you making those around you feel loved and valued?  What kinds of things can you add to your weekly routine to increase the acts of kindness?  And most importantly, how does it make you feel when you see the results of you tiny acts of love?  

Let's make a difference in the world.  Let's take care of our tribe.  Let's learn (again) how to love and value one another with every kind of kindness!

What's Your Super Power?

Go ahead, think about it... You know you have one. The super powers I'm referring to today have nothing to do with melting walls with laser vision or soaring through the skies or even lifting automobiles and using them as batting practice... although, if you can do any of those things, that's pretty cool!

Dig a little deeper.  What is your go-to move?  Do you have the power to put others at ease in a tense situation?  Are you the "glue" of the family or a circle of friends?  Can you make people laugh and forget their troubles for even just a little while?  Do you have the power of medicine?   The power of negotiation?  Does your super power require a paint brush, hammer or chisel?  Does your super power come to life when you lift the hood of a vehicle, smile at a child, or sit around the board room table?

I know what you're thinking.  "That's not a super power, it's just what I do."

I beg to differ.  Any one can have a job, or skill, or talent, or characteristic, but it becomes a super power when it becomes such a part of you that you do things without thinking.  Sometimes to reach this point, it requires hours and hours of practice, study or research.  Other times it's just a part of who you are and how you react toward others and is a benefit to you or the rest of the world.  Or... you might have been bitten by a toxic bug or been part of a scientific experiment gone wrong... there's that option too...

And not every talent can be classified as a super power.  I CAN draw.  I CAN sing.  I CAN play instruments... but none of these are my super power.

I woke up thinking about it this morning.  There are people in my life that I just have to stand back in awe when their super power is in action.  It's amazing seeing people shine and the amount of self-confidence that comes off them is a beautiful sight to behold.  At that moment, I am so proud to be a part of their circle.  And watching someone figure out their super power?  That's another "wow" moment.  I love watching people, (usually kids) realize that one "thing" that sets them a part from everyone else.

And just for fun, let's take this one step further.  Think about your super power... what other minor powers go along with it? (Example, if singing is your super power, can you also dance? write music? harmonize? sing in other languages? teach others to sing?)

How do you use your super power to benefit others? (with the singing example: Do you: give concerts? Sing for those in nursing homes or hospitals?  write for new up and coming talent? teach your skills to others?)

How does your super power make you happy? (you make others smile?  You earn an income? It never gets boring? It makes you smile?)

What is your Kryptonite? (smoking. alcohol. screaming. cold air.)

Who might you have in your circle? (other singers? a new style of singer?  Super heroes who play instruments? Agent? Trainer?)

And who would your nemesis be? (Smokers, Another singer? Unsupportive boss?)


Now do you know what yours is?  If you can't think of what it might be, ask someone close to you.  I'm sure they can tell you!  So I want you to take this one quick moment and acknowledge your super power- put on the cape or the tights, whatever you have to do- but take a moment to see yourself as a super hero; doing your part to keep the world running smoothly.

Share your super hero work-up with the rest of us below!  Have fun with it!!  Don't be shy...  You are amazing and you should share your gifts with the world!

A BIG Announcement from the Bourgeret Camp...

Now that the release of my second novel Waiting for the Sun has passed, I can move on to my BIG announcement!!

This has been a long time coming!!  I am so excited to announce the official 2014/15 Nationwide Tour of the Total Truth Workshop!!

All year I've been doing smaller beta tests of the workshop to get out some of the bugs and to make sure I'm offering up what the kids need most and I am pleased with the results as are the kids.  So the only thing left to do is to take it out on the road!

This is will be my first attempt to travel with this kind of event, but I see it as an adventure!  So many new places to see and new families to meet!  And lots of good information to be passed around to make a difference in people's lives and futures!  I am so excited! (& terrified!)

"I'm so glad someone finally listened to what teens need and not what they think we need."

"I love this workshop.  I think it will help a lot of people.  Miss Elizabeth is awesome."

"The Total Truth Workshop wasn't boring at all.  Miss Elizabeth always thinks for fun things for us to do and before we realize it, it became a lesson."


I'm kicking things off here in my home town of St. Louis, MO first on the last  weekend of June, 2014 and then starting off slowly.  A weekend here, a weekend there and when school starts back up, I'll really swing into gear hopefully offering two workshops per month through the winter months.  What a life change for me! But I welcome it with open arms.  I could use a good challenge to keep me on my toes!

I've been working diligently on the website which is now live.  (I wish I was more tech savvy, but I am not!  So, I had to work at it  in bits and pieces at a time.)  I am thankful for my support system at St. Louis Onsite (Shout out to Paul Arthur and Joey Felps) and to the newest addition to my tech crew, Ryan Lambert.  Ryan is working on making the teen website pop with awesome videos.  I am so very blessed to have so much talent around me.
I am also so thankful for my Personal Assistant, Sarah Arnold, she gets my phone work under control and helps keep me on track to what my most present task is. If you only knew how much I needed that!! Lol!

The workshop is starting to get press and is moving along faster than I'm ready for!  So that just means I need to work harder and faster!!   But I wanted to let all of you know first before it is released to the rest of the world!  I am excited that it is getting positive feedback.  I hope that helps the Total Truth Workshop get off the ground and have all the weekends sell out!

For those of you that don't know about the Total Truth Workshop, it is a project that I have been "working" on for about six years now.  It was going to be just a book called Do It Now or Re-do It Later- and it still will be, but it seemed to me that teens would get more out of the information if it was presented to them in a live, interactive format.  When we have the opportunity to experience something over just reading about it, those experiences are more likely to make an impact and stay with us longer.  And since creating fun camps and classes are my forte, this seemed like a perfect fit.

So basically, for one weekend, these kids will come and hang out with me and we will work on life lessons, accountability, goal setting, and all the things they won't be taught in high school but NEED to know to be successful in the grown-up world.  It's called Total Truth because I won't pull any punches or sugar coat the facts.  The real world doesn't care whether you're tired or not feeling well or ran out of money.  The world moves on and you need to be ready to move with it or get trampled by it! (I know the trampled part!  I don't wish it on anyone!)

It's so much more than sitting in a room and being talked at for three days.  I wouldn't want that... I can't think of anyone that would!  There are games and dancing and a fun atmosphere.  These kids will come out of this event with a good idea of where to go next to make their future one they can look forward to.  Instead of waiting to see what opportunities or jobs "fall into their lap" they will have the power and the know how to go and get what they want.  They will be given a set of tools to help deal with bumps in the road and letting go of harmful habits and replacing them with productive ones.  The workshop also deals a great deal with relationships and communication.  Two things that everyone needs to be comfortable with so they can be prepared to deal with the relationships of their future.  Bosses, teachers, family members, love interests, co-workers.  The information they learn at the workshop will be of use to them the very first day.   

This workshop will be a huge asset for those kids who choose to use it.  They are not only creating a future for themselves, they are linking with like-minded teens and developing a support system, a mentoring group and new friends that will last them a life-time.  And me.  I'll be there with them for as long as they need me.  I've set up a members only Facebook group, their own membership pages within the website, on-going blog posts to keep them on track and they will have life-time access to me and to any webinars I host.

I am just so excited about this whole thing!  This is my life's work.  This is what all my years of experiences have led me to.  I wish I had something like this when I was in my teen years.  I certainly wouldn't have made as many mistakes trying to figure things out as I went.  I hope you will come on board and help me spread the news about my new "baby"!  I can't wait to share it with the world!   I love this age.  So many new things coming their way and so many things to learn.

Please comment below or shoot me an email if you'd like to know more information but I'll try and keep everything posted on here so you can see my progress.  To find out more about the Total Truth Workshop, please visit the page on this website or you can bounce right to the brand new website to learn all the details!  www.totaltruthworkshop.com

Please be happy for me and keep theses prayers and well wishes coming my way, because I need all the encouragement I can get!

BONUS if you or would like to sign up for the Total Truth Workshop (in the St. Louis area), please send me a message in the Contact Me and I'll give you a discount code for HALF OFF!!  This offer is only good until June 17th.  
(Not in the St. Louis area?  Message me anyway and first, let's see when I'll be heading to your city and second, I'll give you a special friends and family discount offer that you can use!)

Waiting for the Sun Release!!

Finally!  My second work of fiction, Waiting for the Sun,  hits the book stores today!  

I was more than a little worried about this novel because it was SO completely different from my last book, Captive Heart. It's still in the same category or Christian- fiction, but while one is historical fiction, this new one is set in a contemporary setting. I am hoping that my readers will give this new work a chance. 

But just in case they didn't, I decided to get some pre-reviews to hopefully open up to a wider audience.  Here's a glimpse of the notes I have gotten back:

"I just realized that I am too soon to post my review!  I did enjoy your book.  I loved the fostering of the children on the huge ranch.  Good job!" - Cindi Klemm

"I have to tell you that I love, love, love your book... I couldn't put it down! I can really see and feel the characters and setting.  I am excited to be reading your book in a way I don't often get.  I hope you have other books so I can read more!"  - Julia Wilson

"Elizabeth Bourgeret!  You have done it again!  I am SO proud of you!  I don't know what you were worried about!"  

Needless to say, I'm feeling a little better about Waiting for the Sun being added to my published library!  Being a writer has to be one of the neatest things in the whole world!!  It thrills me to no end, and yes, I giggle every time, to see one of my books pop up on the internet or see my name in printed form.  It's like... I am somebody now.  Like, my work will be around long after I'm gone and my children's children's children can say, 'yep, that was my great- grammy!"  It feels good.

Like anything made in a creative way, it's always scary to put it out there for the rest of the world to critique.  And while I smile for days for every 5 star review I get, I ponder and question and doubt and dwell on every low star. (who rarely put a review with it so I am tormented as to WHY!!)  But, so it goes.  I am happy to say that the 5 stars FAR outweigh the low stars, and so I am encouraged to keep writing.  Which I am thankful for because it gives me great satisfaction.  I thought I was content just writing for myself and my family, but the joy I receive by being welcomed in the hearts of people I haven't even met yet, is too much for words.  I am so very grateful.  

So for those who might be interested, here is the little blurb from the back of the book to hopefully pique your interest:

Waiting for the Sun is the story of Gillian Sanders who's husband left her after many years of marriage.  She took what might have been her darkest hour and turned it around by moving to a new state, opening her home to foster children, running a cattle ranch and teaching at the local theatre.
Making sure she is too busy for romance, she focuses on her "kids" until a man she never expects fits right into her life... or does he?
Sometimes hiding from love is the best way to find it.


Waiting for the Sun is available on Amazon.com, at your local book stores (don't see it?  Ask them to order it for you!) or right here on this website!

BONUS:  If you order from here, and purchase $25 or more (on any books) you will receive a free canvas book bag!  Good while supplies last!

Order your copy of WAITNG FOR THE SUN today!  Right now!!

Dealing With Grief

The feelings of loss can be brought on by any number of events.  Most typically we think of the death of a loved one.  But grief in its deepest forms can also be the reaction to the loss of a job, family estrangement or betrayal.  A break-up or divorce.  The loss of a beloved pet.  Or even the empty nest syndrome...  The feelings or stages of grief can be different for everyone and we all process grief in different ways.  I present them to you here, to "normalize" the grieving process and to work through it myself.  Writing is a healing tool for me, so, allow me to heal and hopefully my words will come back to you when you are in your time of grief and they will help ease your transition.

The five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance, are common experiences people go through when dealing with loss.  They surface in different ways for different people as grieving is such a unique and personal thing to have to go through.  Not everyone will go through them in the same order.  Not everyone will stay in the same stage for the same length of time.  And once you have experienced each stage, that does not mean that you won't go back through it again.  (Much to my disappointment.  Being very aware of my emotions from the standpoint of "outside looking in" kind of way, I would mentally "check-off" the stages I felt myself go through happy that I was one step closer to Acceptance.... Not so much the case, my friends.  Not the case at all...)

I hope you can use this article as an awareness tool.  To help your body, mind and heart heal when it feels like you never want to see the sunshine again.  I am hoping to help you understand the process and stand beside you saying, "You WILL get through this," as I tell myself every ten minutes or so.  Because this IS a process and we WILL get through it...

Denial.  This is where you've just gotten slapped in the face with news.  Bad news.  This stage is your defense mechanism to allow your body to deal with the shock.  Your brain deflects your immediate emotions to allow you to attempt to process this new information.  You're mind begins to swirl with questions and while you are trying to sort out the realities, the emotions will fight their way to the surface.

Anger.  Reality of the situation, brings pain.  And to protect ourselves from drowning in the pain and sadness, we express it as anger.  We feel anger and resentment and hate to someone in particular or sometimes anyone who happens to cross our thought paths at the wrong moment.  We use our anger to deflect the pain that if we give into it, it will surely kill us.  David Kessler, a grief specialist explained it this way, "At first grief feel like being lost at sea; no connection to anything.  Then you get angry at someone.. suddenly you have structure- your anger towards them.  The anger becomes a bridge over the open sea, a connection between you and them.  It is something to hold on to; a connection made from strength of anger is better than nothing."  
Better than nothing.  That's for sure.  Anger gave me direction, and it DID feel better than feeling numb.  Numbness and hopelessness are the worst feelings to have in my humble, heart-broken opinion.  I'm really good at the anger stage and frequent it often...

Bargaining (Or depending on the cause of grief) Begging.  This is another defense mechanism to protect us from the harsh reality we unwillingly find ourselves in.  This is the land of "if only's".  Most of the time, this stage happens in our mind.  We fantasize different endings and outcomes to the situation at hand.  Sometimes, we see a revenge, or a reconciliation, or a miracle cure.  If we do happen to find the words or have the chance to "make things right", we bargain, threaten, cajole, negotiate, promise and throw guilt around like candy, anything to un-do the pain.  But nothing works.  You wake up the next morning and the pain is still there.  It really happened and there is nothing you can do to change it.

Depression.  This is where you really feel that the loss has moved in and is making itself at home.  That feeling of emptiness returns and you know it's there but you just don't feel like doing anything about it.  You even entertain the idea that it will be there forever.  You tell yourself that this too, is part of the process and it will pass, but while you're in it... you feel... sadness, regret, worry, loss... emptiness.  
This is your body trying to work through the grief.  Trying to prepare you for what's on the other side.  It's a time of reflection and also a time to allow you to accept a new... different future.

Acceptance. This stage does not mean that what has happened has been given our "approval"- for lack of a better word- but it means that we can acknowledge that the event really did happen and we can't un-do it.  So we must learn to deal with it, make peace with it, and move on with our lives.  Some people never reach this stage.  I do not anticipate that being me.  I know God has other things planned for me other than standing under the darkness of this raincloud.  He knows that eventually I will accept my new reality and keep moving forward.  But not today, Lord.  Not today.

Grief has its own rhythm and you have to allow yourself to go through it from beginning to end.  If you try and push it down or ignore that it is happening, it will only take longer to get to the Acceptance part.  Linger in one stage or another if you must, but get to the Acceptance part.  In some cases, the pain will never be gone and we have to learn to live with it buried in some compartment of our heart; in some cases, when you look back you'll wonder why you behaved so; and still in others, things happen that are out of your control and our only option is to deal with it the best we know how at this particular moment.  One thing I do know, is that life is not meant to stop.  Don't get trapped in the pain.

We grieve because we love.  And because we cannot NOT love, there will always be pain in our lives.  But our hearts are made resilient so they can love again. Our memories are created to hold on to the times that made us smile.  Hope is forever bubbling down deep inside waiting to renew your spirit.  Strength keeps us moving forward.  And faith... faith is the promise that we will love again and continue to give love a chance no matter what.

Spring Photo Shoot

The Spring Photo Shoot is complete and I think we can call it a success!  The weather was absolutely beautiful and everyone was in a great mood and we even managed to get some good shots!

This photo shoots purpose was to get an author photo for the upcoming release of my second Christian-fiction novel, Waiting for the Sun that comes out on May 20th.  But it should also give me some good publicity photos for any number of other things coming up.  The pictures with the quotes on them seem to do really well and get shared quite often, so I get a lot of feedback from them.  With the back drop of some of these photos, (they were taken at the Missouri Botanical Gardens!  80 acres of beautifulness!!) they are perfect for some quotes I've got laying around!! Lol  And lastly, the website needed a little cleaning up so some of the pictures will be featured there as well.  A little bit of me splashed all over the place! 

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank my make-up artist, Mary Spezia.  She is my go-to girl when it comes to my face and hair.  She takes really good care of me and always knows the "look" I am going for.  She is patient and funny and is always ready for a touch-up.  She is not afraid to hold up the process if she doesn't think I look "just right"!  And I love her for that!!

Also, thank you to Iramil Kneemiller for assisting my awesome photographer and for making sure the was set up right, my arm was in the right spot and the wrinkles were pulled out before any film was wasted!

And my photographer, Shaun Kneemiller.  I love working with this man!  He is so very talented and has such a brilliant eye.  While his wife and my make-up artist were making me fabulous, he was patient and would fill his time taking pictures of other things around us.  (Which turned out amazing as well!!)  He is destined for great things in the photography world and I am honored to be able to say that I found him first!!  We work together so well and I only have to describe an idea and he is off and running with it.  I am so happy that he takes the time out of his busy schedule for me.

So, back to this whole author photo thing... I am asking for help in choosing the actual photo that will be used on the back cover of the book.  So, if you are so inclined to add your opinion, I would be most grateful.  You'll be able to see the photos revealed one at a time on Facebook (Elizabeth Bourgeret- Author or EBourgeret), twitter (EBourgeret), google+ (+ElizabethBourgeret) or instagram (EBourgeret) all next week.  If you could let me know what you think by leaving a comment or sharing or liking, I can narrow down the choices.  I love having your opinions!  

So, follow me on the social media outlets and let me know what you think of Shaun's handiwork!!  I am so grateful to have people around me that love me and encourage me!  Thank you to everyone that helps Elizabeth Bourgeret be all that I am supposed to be!!

Build Your Community

Do you believe the statement:  You are the average of the five people you hang around with the most?

I have differing feelings on the statement.  While I feel that it is good to be around people that will encourage and motivate you.  You are responsible to make the best choices for yourself and shouldn't let those around you have that much of an influence in your decisions.  Like if you have to make a choice for a new job.  You'd appreciate the opinions of those around you, but the final choice is yours.  You are not SO influenced by your peers (as an adult anyway... I hope) that you would just follow blindly by what your fave five would say.  And if, for instance, your circle of people make choices to go out and party when you know you have to work first thing in the morning, the choice is still yours to go out or not and they will most likely still be your friends in the morning.  However, if those same people continue in that same behavior on a regular basis and you are trying to become something else, it may be better to put some space between you and this set of friends.

I'm sure it goes without saying that you should not be friends or hang out with people who are toxic or continue to be a drain on you.  If spending time with certain people brings you down, even if it is family, sometimes, it's better not to spend that time with them.  Life is too short to spend it with people that are going to suck the fun out of it for you!  I understand that you have family obligations but you are only required to love your family, you don't necessarily have to like them.  Especially if they spend too much time tearing you down instead of lifting you up, using you instead of being there for you, or finding fault with you instead of seeing your qualities.

Do you find yourself around people who's favorite pastime is complaining or criticizing others?  They fall into the "toxic" category as well.  When people constantly complain, they drain the energy from the room.  And even if you are a strong minded person, sometimes their negativity can spread into your system before you even know it.  Then suddenly, you are looking at things from a glass half empty perspective and don't realize it until you've gotten away from that environment.  It's happened to me.  I've let the other negative people in the room completely throw off my happy mood.  It happened so quickly that I didn't realize it until I started hearing the toxins coming from my own mouth!  Guard your emotions!! 

Be careful not to become a toxic person yourself!  Don't make other people have to choose to stay away from you because you make them sad or feel unappreciated.  Here's some quick questions for you: Do you try to find the silver lining?  Can you see the good things in people?  Is there always another way to try something, do something, see something?  If you answered yes, you're probably doing alright. 

Try to surround yourself with positive, up-beat, encouraging people.  People that will show you new ways to be better at something.  People that will take you to the next level on the path you are following.  Choose to learn from people who have done what you want to do.  Create your tribe of like-minded, people.

Someone once said, "Never be the smartest person in the room.  If you are, find new friends or find a new room!"  Always keep learning and growing.  Surround yourself with loving and nourishing people.  If you can't find someone you can actually, physically be around, use the internet and all of its wonderful social media to find wisdom and encouragement.  Follow the people that you admire or have the careers that you strive for.  Learn from the best!

So, do I agree with the above statement?  I can see some validity in it, but I do have some people in my circle that aren't the "best" people for me, but I may be the "best" people for them... and I love them.  Only tolerate what you can tolerate and not an ounce more.  If the scale tipped to the side that I felt I was not being helpful to them or they taxed my emotion too much, I would definitely make space between us.  I can't support others who only want to tear down.  It makes me sad and it's against every thing I believe in.  Don't be around people that make you unhappy.  It may be a difficult decision to step away from them and go out on your own, but you will be happier for it in the long run.  
I think it is better to say- have balance.  Know what your limits are and what/who could influence you and use that rule when you decide who to make a priority in your life.  Be happy.  Live, Love and Learn.

So, what is your opinion of Jim Rohn's Rule of 5?  Leave your comments below!

Crossroads

I don't know what I'm afraid of.  I've been here before... at the crossroads.  But every time I make my way to this point, I am stricken with fear.  Choices.  Go right?  Go left? Go straight?  ... go back?  What if it's the wrong choice?
I am standing at the crossroads.  I can see the choices before me... and that familiar fear creeps up my throat and makes it hard to breathe.  I am deathly afraid of failure. 
Its actually a ridiculous circle of events, I work and work and work so hard just to get me to this point and then I am freaked out when I get here.  And one of two things is going to happen...  Either, I will push ahead and give it my all and will face whatever outcome results from it, or subconsciously sabotage the project so that when I fail I have something to blame it on.  Is it sad that I can literally SEE my two choices before me?
This is a big one.  It's not like changing the color of my livingroom walls or even buying a new car.  My choices in front of me are life changing.  If I fail at this, it will knock me back quite a few notches.  Sure, I've been there before, at the bottom of the failure pile ... but I don't like it.  I realize that sometimes you have to fail before you can succeed, and I could really use a success.
If you've been following my blogs, you have seen how I am shifting slightly in my niche.  I am turning my focus to teens and family coaching and diving in head first into the workshops and seminars.  I have peace about my decision right up until the time I have to take action on it.  So I've done all the small things, the research, the writing, the connections, the announcements... but now, it's actually time to do it.  It's time to offer my first workshop.  It's time to suck it up and start making videos for on-line seminars and the blogs, etc.  It's time to put the wheels in motion.Scary stuff...  Scary, scary stuff...
So, this is me where I am at this juncture of my writing career.  Thank you for letting me share my trials with you and thank you for your prayers and kind words.  I know the direction I need to follow.  I am standing in the crossroads, but I know the direction I need to take.  It's just a matter of taking that first step.Maybe tomorrow.... yes, definitely tomorrow.