The MOTHER of Re-Invention
I’ve been in a crisis…a series, actually. It’s not that I’m offering excuses, but in effect I am.
For months, my life has been a whirlwind of clients, traveling, networking, workshops and speaking engagements. It’s been non-stop. Don’t get me wrong, the ride has been great. However, due to recent events, the ride has become the equivalent of a merry-go-round run by a crazy “carnie” who won’t let you off. (If you’ve been to a fair in Chalmette, LA then you’ll understand where I’m coming from!)
That’s the point where I’m at…I’m dizzy, nauseated and OVER the ride. THIS particular ride, that is.
Somehow over this past year and a half, I’ve become someone I don’t recognize. It’s forced. Un-natural. EXHAUSTING! In all this effort to find a niche, a market…I forgot about what brought me here in the first place. The “WHY” I became a work-at-home/stay-at-home mom. The stress of it all has effected my health physically, emotionally and spiritually.
A few months back my body decided to get off the ride. My fibromyalgia and lupus flared to the point that one morning I woke up and had lost function in my left arm. (I’m left-handed people!!!) Seriously? I couldn’t FAKE being fine with one arm. And slowly the realization came that my body was manifesting what my mind had known all along. I couldn’t keep up the pace with a life that I did not want. Our bodies are intuitive like that.
So, I’ve been on hiatus. I’ve had to tell the over-achiever in me to “Shut UP!”. I’ve been forced to say no to many things. It’s been hard and easy at the same time. And you know what? I’ve never been more content with any other decision. Because. I. Matter!
This past week, my Dad has been critically ill while hospitalized at the VA. (Another issue to tackle at a later date.) It’s made this whole re-invention crisis seem rather small in the face of what matters most. Family.
So, here I go again. Deciding what to be now that I’m all grown up. THIS time, I’m putting first things first and doing it all on MY terms. Reminding myself as often as necessary WHY and WHO I’m doing this for. Regardless of where the road takes me, I hope you’ll come along for the ride. (And I promise, you can get off any time that you like.) It’s bound to be hard, scary and crazy–but that’s me…the MOTHER of re-invention.
***Here’s my WHY***
My 3 Words…
I wish I could take credit for this brilliant (and I do sincerely mean brilliant) idea, but alas I cannot. Thanks to Chris Brogan for sharing this process on his blog. In a recent post, he related his method of setting goals for the new year. (Actually, this is not new as he has shared this method in years past on his blog as well.)
I’ve never been one for the whole “New Year’s Resolutions” myself. Why? Simply put, most people (including myself) have fallen off the wagon by week TWO of the new year. 
However, as someone commented on Brogan’s post, it takes a real paradigm shift to narrow one’s thought process to 3 words by which to guide your year. I whole-heartedly agree! And since I couldn’t get this idea off my mind, I decided to take a stab at it… Read more
The NEW Look
I’m still me!
It’s been a while since I’ve been in touch–I hope you’ll forgive me! I’ve been chipping away at this re-branding while working with new clients, teaching workshops and traveling for speaking engagements. All in all, the past few months flew by like a whirlwind.
I’d like to take a moment to recognize a few of the experts who really helped me through the transition from Millionaire Moms Media to Edie McRae.com Why? Simply because they are amazing to work with and are great resources for you.
1. Siva of iTVibes, my Web-Development specialist. Siva can make things work that seem impossible. I know enough to be dangerous (just ask him) and rather than spend months trying to figure out something on my own, I chose to work with an expert in this area. And if you’ve ever tried to move a Google Friend connect widget to a NEW site, you’ll understand why his skills are so invaluable.
2. Jennifer Lee of J.Lee Creative for designing my kick-butt new logo. She really took the time to get to know what I was about. She kept my “feminine” side and yet helped me to display my “edgy” side too.
3. My media partner, Lori Carrese of Woodlands Media Solutions. She’s been a gem by connecting me to the right media and marketing professionals to help complete this process. Her advice and experience have been invaluable to me.
4. YOU! I want to thank all of you for hanging in there during my blogging hiatus and pardoning my progress.
I want to let you know that you can still count on me to continue to share all things related to social media, business, networking and the balancing act of motherhood.
In 2010, I will be having cross-blog conversations with industry experts, participating in popular blog meme’s and more.
I’d be honored if you hang around and get the RSS feed to keep up-to-date with all the social media news and trends. (RSS is a way to have my blog updates delivered to your email or in a feed reader of your choice.)
I’d love to connect on Facebook as well. I’ve got a slammin’ new fan page and would love to interact with you there too. In fact, I’m going to answer questions asked on my fan page in depth on the blog…for FREE! So, if you’ve got a burning question, you’ll want to post it on the wall of the fan page. Each week, I’ll select one question for a blog feature. And if you have a blog or website of your own, you can count on a link from me from the blog post!
As my way of saying “Thank You” for hanging in there with me, I’m offering a FREE “15 minute Social Media Assessment” consult to help you get off to a GREAT start for 2010.
CLICK HERE to take the assessment and then send me an email or give me a call to schedule a time for a chat.
Much Love and Moxie!
GIVE…Like a Rock Star??
I had to bring you this heart-warming story about two people making a DIFFERENCE right now in the world…two 9 y.o. girls! Yep, 9 year old BFF’s. (That’s Best Friends Forever for those not up on the latest lingo!)
A friend of mine, Aly Calvo (follow her on Twitter @alyandandrea) is doing her part by raising her daughter right–how? By teaching her to live an OTHERS FOCUSED life–and her daughter is spreading the message.
It all started last year, when her daughter Mady and BFF Gabby decided to do something different. Instead of getting gifts for their 8th birthday, the girls wanted to GIVE a gift. That gift was to grand a WISH for a child courtesy of the Make A Wish foundation. The price tag? $5,000.
So, in true ROCK STAR fashion, and with a little help from their moms, the girls got to work–they even had their own website! And after all was said and done, they raised $5006 and granted Christopher his WISH of a lifetime–to meet Stephen Spielberg. But the story doesn’t end there…
The girls desired to continue their “Wish Granting” on an annual basis–and so here we are again. This month, the girls turned 9 and they’re on a mission to TOP last year’s donation. They are raising $6,000 to grant yet another wish. And in true ROCK STAR fashion, they’re Tweeting and on FB too! I want to help and know that you do too!
Any amount is welcomed. Forwarding this post, TWEETING this post, SHARING on FB (Remember to become a FAN!) –all is welcomed.
May we call endeavor to lead the future of our world in a spirit of love and giving…like ROCK STARS!
(Here’s the video from the Fox Houston 26 News Interview…)
Pardon Our Progress…
I’m SO excited
to share with you all that I’m currently undergoing some MAJOR re-construction aka re-branding! I am working with the same GREAT team again over at iTVibes and I can’t wait to show you all the NEW services I’ll be able to offer.
For MONTHS now, I’ve been getting emails BEGGING for help from those outside of the Houston Area who are unable to attend my hands-on workshops. That’s when I called my friend Siva and said I was ready to take it to the next level. I will be offering a membership based social media networking e-learning center! YAY!!!!
Here’s a sneak peak: imagine being able to log into your computer and watch STEP by STEP how social media networking is done! Imagine having a STEP by STEP guide for daily activities to keep you on track! It’s like working one on one with me–only BETTER because it is on your terms and your time frame! BEST part, imagine being able to get YOUR membership for FREE simply by referring others! You won’t have to imagine much longer!
So, PLEASE PARDON OUR PROGRESS as I won’t be updating as often because I plan to unveil my “face lift” in October! I’m working fast and furious to make the best of me available to you on demand!
ps…if you’re EXCITED about this too, then leave some comment love below and I’ll be SURE to send you my SPECIAL OFFER for the new member’s area!
Are YOU In The End Zone??
Ok…I admit it. I’m a sucker for a good movie–especially if it involves football. For those of us raised in the South, football is somewhat of a religion! Let me preface this clip with a bit of background for you NON-football fans (YIKES!) out there!
If you’ve never heard of the “death crawl”, let me enlighten you. It’s one of the TOUGHEST drills dreaded by linemen everywhere! Players must “crawl” on all fours, butt in the air, no knees on the ground while carrying another player on their backs! Needless to say, it is difficult and most don’t make it very far.
This clip is an inspiring account of how much one can accomplish when all we focus on is giving the best of what we have inside.
Have you reached inside to get to YOUR ‘End Zone’ today???
