The land down under......under what?

This has been a whirlwind summer!  First it started out pretty mild, by Texas standards. June temps stayed in the 80's for the most part and we even had some rain.  July saw me jetting off to a national conference for my work, then on to the cool and beautiful mountains in California/Nevada.  Some might have nightmares or anxiety about spending 3 days in a large cabin with 18 former classmates from 40 year ago, but I can say it was a blast!  We reminisced, we ate (too much junk food) and we laughed a lot.  Now it's back to the real Texas summer, endless 100 degree days, dried up countryside and just blah.  I really do not like summer.

Since I do my work from home, and almost entirely online, I have been pondering all of this social media stuff.  The company I work for, Jamberry Nails, is about to launch our business in Australia and New Zealand.  Such an exciting time to think I might actually have new team members in one of those countries!  When it was first announced about the expansion I was kind of down, realizing that I have no personal contacts there and that there would be no way to 'build' in a country so far away where I know no one. Those of us in direct sales often have to be creative.  On a little side note, did you know that direct sales is one of THE leading home based businesses in the country, especially for women?  No it isn't a pyramid, no it isn't a scheme.  Those of us in recognized Direct Selling organizations sell a quality product and it is sent directly to you, no brick and mortar, no middle man.I pride myself on excellent customer service.   Jamberry Nails are made in the USA and our warehouses and distribution are all in the USA. But enough about that.... back to social media.

I often don't sleep well so sometimes I'm playing games on my electronics or reading.  One middle of the night session I was updating my business posts and sent a new message targeting Aussie land.  I was imagining cooler weather (they are about to enter fall and winter), I was picturing the beautiful and varied countryside in that continent....I was dreaming. So I just made a post about that.  I also started telling everyone I know about the ground floor opportunity coming to Australia and New Zealand.  Truly a once in a lifetime chance to build a home business like no other, for very little money!  (Imagine the very first Mary Kay or Avon consultants in a country, what do you think they are doing now?) 

I sometimes long for the days of simplicity, and I'm still very much simplifying my home and possessions.  I long for the quiet home in the mountains with very little "stuff".  But my business is the way I will achieve that.  Social media is ingrained in our life style and I can tell you I now have conversations and budding relationships with some women 'down under', I have CONTACTS!  I also share with my current customers and have received other leads in that way.  Do I shout it from the streets? No.  I simply share how very much this business has changed my life and I truly believe it is going to be the vehicle to continue to change our lives for the better.  Has it been easy? Not always.  When I was at conference I listened intently to the ladies that are at the top of the business, the successful ones.  The common thread is they didn't give up.  They trudged through the months that were slow, they kept believing in themselves and their product.  So as I keep sharing everything I love about my job, I keep on.  I believe.

Before I attended conference I only knew these 2 women through our online team page. We all (along with one other) agreed to room together.  It was kind of like going to camp, but for grown ups in a luxury hotel!  We worked out our routines, which can be interesting for adult women! We started with our common love for the company and we enjoyed some fun times together like this pajama party that the company had for us.  We are still little girls inside. We started that conference simply as online acquaintances and ended it as life long friends.

I'm going "down under".  I don't know exactly how I will get there, I just keep throwing my line in the water and doing posts like this.  Social media is helping me connect with like minded women around the world.  To better ourselves, to build self confidence, to believe in ourselves and to have fun! 

Do you know someone in Australia or New Zealand?  A stay at home mom perhaps, or someone later in life, like me, that needs a boost or a purpose for the next stage in life? Someone struggling and wondering how to make ends meet? Jamberry may be the thing they are looking for.  A young company, but established enough to be here to stay.  Going places, and fulfilling dreams.  Refer me!!  Or join me ;-)

A BIG PS:  Last summer when I joined Jamberry I was stressing over the $99 investment to get started.  This summer I paid for that conference and California trip with my Jamberry income.  What a difference a year made!!

http://conniecowan.jamberry.com/join

http://jamberry.com/au/en   to learn more about  the Australia opportunity (or message me!)

http://jamberry.com/nz/en New Zealand

Long Gray Hair

Over the weekend my husband made a remark: "I've been thinking about this new phase you are in, this 'de-cluttering' - when you get tired of that, give me your next project for the backyard disaster area".  That remark really struck a chord with me!  I admit, I have gone through many phases in my life during the 32 years we have been together.  Over the last several years the 'phases' have given way to depression and feeling stuck.  Part of it is natural in growing older and life not looking anything like I imagined when I was 25, but does anyone's life really look like they imagine when young?

 

I have started many projects over the last two years, and nearly all of them remain in a state of limbo.  I start things that I think will make me happy, when all I'm doing is continually searching.  When I had my 'light bulb' moment about 10 days ago and started on the quest to simplify it was not like any other time in the past when I have gone through another phase.  This morning I looked up the definition of change:

 

To make the form, nature, content or future course of something different from what it would be if left alone.

 

Something inside of me has been changing lately.  I have been stuck in the place of still imagining that things will be different, when the only way they can be is if I CHANGE!  One of the first big changes for me came almost exactly two years ago. I had hair that was about 1 inch long all over my head, and I received tons of compliments on how cute it was.  Just what most women want, compliments!  But not me. My hair had been super short for a couple of years, and I hated every moment of it.  But the words of my mom, back just before I married "you are getting married now, to a banker - you are too old (26?!) to have long hair".  So my childhood dream of long flowing hair, with flowers in it for my wedding went out the door - and I had the ultra conservative, short styled hair, with a traditional veil.  The beginning of many long years of being someone other than me. 

 

In the midst of this simplifying and de-cluttering, I am SLOWLY discovering that being me is much more fun than being who the world wants me to be!  Does it make things easier?  Not necessarily.  Is life still hard and full of disappointment?  Yes. No matter what age you are, be YOU!  Don't wait, like I did, until you are 58 to be the person you want to be instead of who others want you to be.  When you are living and being who God created you to be, you will be a blessing to others and that is so much better than being stuck in a place you don't want to be.  I choose change.

 

 

Other things I'm changing:

 

I have an unfinished book that I have hesitated to complete, for fear that no one will read it. I'm changing my attitude - I'm writing it because I want to, whether anyone reads it or not.  I will complete my book.

 

I am going to succeed at my two direct sales businesses - even though many tell me that I won't.  It will take work, and it will take change - but I am using my skills and training as a life coach to help the people on my teams to succeed, I will succeed as well.

 

I'm continuing on the quest to simplify and de-clutter.  It is not another phase, it is a CHANGE - and I can't wait to see how it all turns out.

 

My challenge to you: be YOU and seek a change in your life, oh the places you'll go!!

 

 

 



Box, box- what's in the box?!

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As I continue on the quest to de-clutter and simplify my life I started to tackle the 'guest' bedroom yesterday.  This room also serves as the sleeping quarters for our granddaughters when they visit (often).  Typical of a 1979 ranch style home, this small bedroom has an even smaller closet.  The closet doors were bi-fold, always coming off the track, so a couple of years ago I replaced them with curtains that didn't take up precious space and could be pulled closed to hide the extreme clutter.  This closet has been the dumping ground for everything from Christmas and holiday wrapping supplies, off season clothes, various boxes from multiple moves from our daughter and so much more.  I would find myself constantly stuffing things in this very small space until the curtain was 'flowing' out into the room and there was no denying that a mess was behind them.

 

Amid the 1980's glamour shots, my 1979 military enlistment portrait and my tap shoes from the years of adult tap class I found one box that I had forgotten about.  My mom died 5 years ago this month.  This cardboard banker's box held items that my sister and I had packed away, things Judy didn't want so I brought them home.  I found a pretty set of tiny ceramic plates that used to hang in Mom's kitchen, they will be hanging on my kitchen wall later today.  There were papers, photos, and other random things that I enjoyed looking at and reminiscing over. Then there was "the box".

 

I remember this box, a metal tool or cash box with a spin combination lock.  Of course, no combo to be found.  I tried every possible 3 number  combination that I could think of, nothing worked, so Waylon pried it open for me...... it was heavy and I couldn't imagine what was inside.  Perhaps a secret stash of money? (not likely). Some long forgotten jewels?  (also a long shot).  As he came walking back in from the garage with the pried open box I couldn't wait to see what was inside.......

 

 

The box was obviously my Dad's.  Since he died in 1980 I imagine that it had been closed for all these years.  Mom may have known what was inside, but maybe not.  Knowing her, she probably had the combination but had it filed away somewhere.  Nothing too exciting in this box, mostly tools (12, yes 12 standard head screwdrivers!) a couple of Phillips screwdrivers, some random picture hangers, light switches and a cute little tape measure in a metal case that I remember Dad carrying in his pocket. Nothing of great value but some things that we definitely can use. 

 

Then I noticed glued on the lid was a business card from my Dad's short job as an office supply salesman.  You see, Mom and Dad lost their lease and closed the tire shop that they had owned and managed in Jackson, CA  for most of my childhood.  He then went on a quest to provide - working odd jobs like office supply sales, bar tending and mostly sinking into depression because this hard working man wasn't 'providing' as he always had.  I remember some tough years at our home and now being 58, the age he was when cancer stole his life, I can really identify with what he must have gone through as we too struggle through life in these difficult financial times.  Seeing that business card reminded me that though his business dream was gone, my Dad never gave up.  He worked hard, played harder and was my hero. During those same years Mom started her career with a local title company and went on to work many years at a job she loved.  Opening this box gave me a little glimpse and reminder of them today, and I can hold those tools and imagine Dad's hands using them too.  Rest in peace Vic and Billie Koplin, you left Judy and I a great legacy and taught us about hard work. Just like my Dad when in his 50's, my work dreams have kind of dried up.  The job that I went to school for  (completing my Bachelor of Ministry at age 47) and loved- that  I thought I would retire from is gone.  I still imagine that my Christian ministry teaching, leading  and guidance will have its place in the work I do now. I work hard at several small businesses, to provide. Things change and now I'm working at life coaching and mentoring young women to follow their business and family dreams. I will never forget and I will continue to work hard to make my parents proud.

 

I pray that the few of you reading this will also never give up.  Follow your dreams. When and if they disappear, make new dreams- they may turn out better than you ever imagined.  I'm still dreaming......... 

 

Proverbs 22:6   Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. New Living Translation

 

 

Willa Mae Davis Koplin (Billie) and Victor Lloyd Koplin (Vic) on their wedding day.

July 3, 1947