Free Training For Women Coaches

If you are a coach, healer, spiritual advisor or other heart-centered type of business woman, I highly recommend you take a look at this Free training.  Every single day, there is a highly valuable topic.  And, every single day, you get the chance to speak 1-1 with an amazing Coach who knows how to help you with Confidence & Cash Flow.  Oh and, if you're registered, there's a chance to win prizes EVERY DAY.  Except Mother's Day.  :)



Just check it out and see if it is something you'd be interested in:



FREE TRAINING



Wishing you love & abundance,



Joy

Parenting Is Exhausting

My Girls (2 of 6 children)

I have been a mom since I was 17 years old.  So, my identity has been wrapped around motherhood for over 26 years.  I cannot imagine NOT being a mom.  I’ve always been the nurturing, mom-like figure amongst my friends, even at a young age.

But, parenting is EXHAUSTING.  I have 6 children, 5 of which are 18 and under.  If it’s not drama between siblings, it’s drama with school or work.  Then, there’s the milestones that come along that make you stop and think, “my baby is growing up.”  And, all the potential for their future.  And, all the hurts they go through.

I had to tell more than one of my children that, “I wish I could shield you from the pain.  But, the fact of the matter is that it would be wrong for me to do that.  The pain is necessary for growth.”

Exhausting.

I have been through a ton of hurt, pain and challenges that I would never want to see my children go through.  Divorce.  Homelessness.  Poverty.  Unemployment.  Legal crap.  But, I can’t keep them from those things either.  They have seen who I’ve become because what I’ve gone through.

I don’t hide the truth from my children.  With the 5 younger ones, I never bothered with Santa, Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy.  Not because I wanted to deny them the magical stories, but because I never wanted them to view me as a liar.  We just assigned different meanings to those holidays or events.  And, it gave me the unique teaching moment to help them understand that everyone has their own beliefs.

Now, I’m dealing with driving lessons, dating issues, school activities and studies, children working and learning to save money.  As well as still working on potty training the youngest, who will be starting school the same year her older sister graduates high school.

Parenting is a 24/7/365 job even if the kids are adults, like 26 years old, or a toddler of 4 years; and every age in-between.  They are on my mind constantly.  Everything they share with me, and what they don’t, is on my heart all the time.

I don’t believe, completely, that it’s a thankless job.  And, some may disagree, but the way I view it:

My children are healthy.  My children are smart.  My children show compassion, love, honesty, empathy, amazing work ethic and have vision for their future.  They are polite and know their manners.  They are kind to other people, animals and have giving hearts.

So, even if they don’t thank me verbally for taking care of them; their gratitude shows in the way they live their lives.  The people they are becoming.  I couldn’t be more grateful for the blessings I’ve been given.  I show them my gratitude and set the example.

Parenting is exhausting.  Parenting is challenging.  Parenting is rewarding.  Parenting is LOVE to infinity and beyond.  Parenting is the most ultimate, extreme, amazing “job” there’s ever been.  If that’s the only job I’ve ever had, it would be worth every second and I’d never feel unfulfilled.  In fact, if you know my story, you know my children are my saviors.  If not for them, I would not be here today.

I love my children.  I love my life.  I am a joyfully empowered mom.

~Joy~

How do you find motivation?

When things get tough, life gets rough, what do you do to change it up?

For me, it’s putting on a motivation playlist from YouTube that features positive influencers like Tony Robbins, Les Brown, Jim Rohn, Pastor Joel Osteen and Eric Thomas.

I let their voices cheer me on throughout the day.  They constantly remind me of being disciplined, self-motivated and to work hard.  They make me laugh, with their stories and anecdotes while still teaching me to do what I am passionate about.  That I am here to THRIVE, not survive.

I also have a bunch of songs that get me moving.  If I’m in a mental place where I need music (which I am often, daily) then I will listen to songs about overcoming challenges, being a fighter, not settling for anyone’s crap.  And, let me tell you, some of these songs make me cry.  But, not tears of sadness as much as tears of gratitude.

See, if you’ve never read my story, here’s the abridged version:

I was in a marriage that did not serve me very well.  I have 5 children with that (ex) husband and they were my only source of happiness.  I couldn’t find any happiness except when I was being their mom and doing my mom-thing.  As much as I love them, I struggled with depression.  Until one day, I was on the edge.  If not for them, I wouldn’t be here today.

I made a change, a shift, in my reality.  I knew the consequences but I also knew that ultimately, the rewards were far greater.

I walked away.  I was away from my children (the most painful time in my life), homeless, jobless, car-less and no where to go.

Social services classified me as a High-Risk Abuse Victim.

I cried.  I bawled.  Then, I said, F*** this.  I refuse to be a victim.  And I started making moves towards a better life; a better me.

I knew that to become the woman (and mom) that I desired to be, I had to take massive action.  So, I did.  I set goals.  I researched ways to achieve those goals.  I learned who my support was (and it wasn’t who I thought it would be) and leaned on them as I made drastic changes in my life.

I surrounded myself with ONLY people that would lift me up.  I listened to music and read content that was empowering and motivating.

I became my OWN motivation and I took massive action and made drastic changes.

Today, just a few short years later, I am building a business I love, helping other women.  My children are healthy and happy and our relationships are loving.  I have an amazing man as my partner for life and we both have big dreams and goals for our future together and our children’s futures.

My motivation had to come from within.  I had to focus on what I wanted.  I had to assign motivating meaning/definition to everything and anything I created in my life.  Nothing changes overnight, because there is typically momentum already in place, but if you keep moving forward, towards your goals, you will start to create a life that motivates you AND motivates others.

Remember:

The most important relationship you will ever have is the one you have with yourself. Invest in YOU because only you can create a life you love.

Love,

~Joy~

Are You Playing Small?

You only get this one life, are you playing to WIN?!

The hashtag #YOLO  was huge in recent months, but I wonder how many people lived by that hashtag, and how many just used it to tag pictures of their dinner from last night.

You Only Live Once is a wonderful phrase to toss around.  However, too many of us just let the day-to-day drown us.  Are you living a life on purpose or a life on auto-pilot?

Here's a crazy thought for you:  Get up and DO something that makes a difference.  Step away from the television, put down the phone, get out of your chair...and take a walk.  Walk next door and say hello to your neighbor.  Drive to the park and soak in some sun.  Get on a train or bus and go to the end of the line.

Stop doing the same thing day in and day out if you're not living your dream life; if you're not impacting others.  We are social creatures (which is why social media is powerful) and we need to interact with other people.  Try this:  say hello to the cashier at the store or the gas attendant.  Ask them how they are, and LISTEN.  Don't just do it to go through the motions.

Now that you're up and moving, let's talk about your dreams and goals.  I mean your BIG dreams and goals.

What is it that you wanted to be when you were a child?  Who did you look up to?  What did you aspire to do?

Why did that change?

When you look at your life right now, are you giving 100% to every single waking hour?  Or, are you just watching the minutes tick by until you can move on to the next thing?  Are you bringing light, love, inspiration, motivation, happiness to the people around you with complete authenticity?  Or, are you just hoping they will pass you by, leave you alone or go away completely?

You have all the talents, abilities and gifts you need to make your life anything you want it to be.  But, in order to that, you have to stop playing small with your life.  You have to step out of your comfort zone and aspire to be more, do more and have more.

And, it all starts with YOU TAKING ACTION.


Remember:

The most important relationship you will ever have is the one with yourself. Invest in YOU because only you can create a life you love.

Love,
~Joy~

Set The Tone For Your Day

When you wake up in the morning, DECIDE that you're going to have a great day.

Any decision that you make, when you first get up, is what you've told your brain to find evidence of.  

Guess what, if you just make the declaration that you are going to have a great day, and do that EVERY day, you will start to see your whole life shift.

There's a saying:  "Win the morning and you win the day."

People will say, "oh that's BS." or "that's positive thinking crap."

But I say:  Maybe...but how is the negative BS working for you right now?

Every morning you wake up, it's New Year's Day!  It's the first day of a new year, 365 days, where you can change your life to accomplish what you want.

Every morning you wake up, you have the potential to accomplish what you want.  It's like having a clean slate.  Every. Damn. Day.

But YOU have to DECIDE what you will do.

You may be reading this in the middle of the day, or before bed.  I don't care, start NOW.  Change the course that you are on if you are not happy with where you're going.

Would you stay on a bus or train that was taking you in the wrong direction?  
No.  Next stop, you're hopping off.  
And even if another train or bus isn't coming, you're going to start walking, take a cab, call a friend to pick you up.  
You're NOT going to stay where you don't desire to be.

Do that with your life.  "Hop off" at the next chance you get and move in the direction you desire to go.  The sooner you do it, the sooner you can get on the RIGHT PATH FOR YOU.

Plug into people and resources that will build you up and guide you, motivate and empower you.

Every morning, when I get up, I grab my coffee and my notebook.  I plug into morning motivation videos on YouTube and journal what I am grateful for, what I will do today and what goals I will achieve.

Nothing Becomes Dynamic Until It Becomes Specific.  I learned that from Dani Johnson many years ago.

Remember, the most important relationship you will ever have is the one you have with yourself.  

Take a stand for you.  Take a stand for your life.  Take a stand for all that is important to you.

This is your day!

~Joy~

Are You On Target?

We're almost 2 full months into 2018.  How are you doing?

Have you met the goals you set for the New Year?
Are you on target to achieve them?

So many of us strive to make resolutions or goals for the New Year.  Then, LIFE HAPPENS.  Those that achieve their goals don't wait for the New Year to set in motion the events that will get them where they want to go.

Guess what?  No matter where you are right now, as long as you DECIDE that you want to get to somewhere better (whatever that is for you), you have taken the first step to achieve what you desire.

But, what is lacking for most is ACTION.  See, making a decision means you are willing to strive towards what you want.  But, a decision without ACTION, just turns into a dream; a hope that you may get to where you want to be.

It's not magic.

It takes ACTION.

So, you've still got 10 months to hit your goals for 2018.  How can you get there?

Look at the desired goal.  Then, create a plan, working backwards.  Go all the way back to today.  What can you do TODAY to get to your goals?

Don't fear change.
Don't fear failure.
Don't fear pain.
Don't fear success.
Don't fear rejection.
Don't fear other's opinions.

• Change is necessary.  If you continue doing what you're doing, you'll continue getting what you're getting.
• Failure is a part of learning.  When something doesn't work, learn, and try again.
• Pain is what will help heal you.  You grow through the pain and come out stronger.
• Success is whatever YOU define it to be.  And, being successful will change your life.  And, as I said....Change is necessary.
• Rejection is not always personal.  It's often the rejection of thoughts, ideas, situations, that the other person doesn't know how to accept.  Why?  Because they have FEAR.
• Other people's opinions do not serve you nearly as much as YOUR opinion of YOURSELF.  Sometimes, opinions can give you insight, perspective, encouragement.  However, they are not as important as what you believe about yourself.

You were not put on this earth to survive, you were put here to THRIVE.  The goals that you had in the beginning of the year, if important enough, will be achieved by the end of this year IF...

IF...
you take action, 
you have a plan, 
you are open to change,
you fail forward, 
you grow through the pain,
you define and embrace success,
you don't take rejection personally,
you value your opinion of yourself 

Remember, the most important relationship you will EVER have in your life is the one you have with YOURSELF.  So, work on YOU and as you do, your mind will shift, and the world will shift with you.

Believe in YOU. That's where it all begins.

I believe in you.

~Joy~

You Did It

You are where you are because of decisions/choices you've made.

Some people find that statement exhilarating and exciting.

Some people find that statement deflating and depressing.

Either way....own it.  Feel it.  

Now, understand that if you're not happy with an area of your life, YOU can decide to change it.

Yep.  

YOU.

Here's how that works:

Think about that area of your life where you're dissatisfied.  
Maybe it's your body, your job, your relationship, your finances.

• Focus on what you want to see change
• What would it mean to you, to see that change?
• How will you feel once you've achieved it?
• What will it take to move towards that?
• What can you do RIGHT NOW to move that direction?

Now....go do it.

Example:  Mary wanted to lose 50 pounds.  She wasn't happy with her body, how she looked or how she felt.  Instead of dwelling on that, she focused on what it would mean to her to achieve that goal and how she would feel more confident, would be able to be more active with her family and have less aches and pains.  She knew some of her food choices were keeping her where she was.  She cut out certain foods and snacks that weren't aligned with her goal.  She started with small steps like walking more and bought a set of 2# hand weights.

Mary made a decision to move towards the change she sought.
Mary made a commitment to herself and her goals.
Mary took action.

And, Mary got results.

Mary could be you.  It could be career changes, financial changes, relationship changes.  It could be anything.

The point...YOU have power to change your life.  YOU have power because you get to choose.

Decide to change.
Focus on the goal.
Feel how it would mean to achieve it.
Take Action.
NOW.

~Joy~

PS:  If you need help with this process, I am opening up a coaching class in March 2018 and would love to work with you to achieve your goal.  Pop on over to Facebook for more information by clicking HERE.

Empowering Women

I am all for empowering women. However, I’m not going to fit society’s labels.

I like comfy.

I wear t-shirts, sweats, flip flops.

My hair is usually up in some messy bun and often, is a variety of colors.

I rarely wear make-up. When I do it’s just hints of colors to bring out the natural colors in my eyes.

I have freckles, scars and tattoos. Every single “imperfection” is a reflection of the life I’ve lead and the choices I’ve made.

I don’t have pretty, long nails. I love to paint them, but often the color chips off and I’ve got dirt under my nails.

I haven’t worn high heels in a decade. But, I LOVE my knee-high suede (flat) boots.

I believe I have every right to be successful, but I define what success is. 

I believe I have every right to be rich, but I define what rich is.

I have no issue with cleaning, cooking, doing the laundry or driving the kids around to friends or places. Because it needs to be done, not because it’s a “woman’s job”

I have no issue with letting my man hold the door open, change a light bulb or drive when we go somewhere. Not because it’s a man’s job, but because honestly, it’s nice to let someone else do those things.

I have no problem being the “weaker” sex because honestly, sometimes I can’t carry some shit on my own and my hands are not large enough or wide enough to open the damn pickle jar.

I also have no problem doing some things that, according to society, my man should do like take out the trash, check the oil in my car or change a flat tire. I’m available. I’m capable. So why the hell wouldn't I do it? If I didn’t have a man in my life, wouldn’t I have to know these things OR know where to go to get these things done?


Sometimes, I think we as a people get so caught up in a cause, a statement, a mission and we say we don’t want to be stereotyped, but in reality we’ve just changed the type of group we’re classified in.

When I was in the dating world, after my divorce, I was often told I was different. Most men were excited about that, but then flaked off because they were intimidated or lacked the confidence to date a woman like me.

The thing is...I don’t need a man. Not because I’m all girl-power and stuff.

But because as a human being that has had to learn to make it on their own, I can do what needs to be done. If it’s something I can’t do, then I find someone with the skill to do it.

I learned and accepted my limitations.
I drew strengths from my accomplishments.
I expanded my circle of influence.
I invested in myself; personal development, skill sets and communication skills.

Once I realized what I needed, what I didn’t, the funniest most wonderful things happened.

The right man for me was suddenly in my inbox.

People tell me I’m lucky.

I’m not lucky. The definition of luck: success or failure apparently brought by chance rather than through one's own actions.

No. My actions brought this man into my life. Because until I was able to stand on my own two feet, use the brain cells between my ears and believe that I was good enough...all I found was insecure, un-confident, wishy-washy men and even some of my friends.

I am blessed.
I am fortunate.
I am strong.
I am confident.
And yes, I am woman.

And my message to society (if I bothered to acknowledge them at all): Don’t bother trying to fit me in to one of your “classifications”.

That’s like trying to fit a star-shape into a circle hole.

Not. Happening.

There is someone who read this and it hit home.

Either you are trying to figure it all out, or have & were afraid you were the only one.

I’m looking for my tribe.

People that are like me, but are also uniquely themselves.

People looking for a place where they can shine brightly, and don’t give a f-k if they fit the “norm”.

To me...that is how you EMPOWER WOMEN. 

Give them the freedom to be themselves, and the support they need when society tries to mess with them.

Cause, honestly, we ALL need support.

You can do this on your own, but no need to do it alone.

I’m here.
I’m waiting for you.
I've got you.

Love,
Joy

My Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/JoyMarinoCoaching/

What Are Your Goals?

What Are Your Goals?

Sometimes, I like to sit down with a pen and some paper and just brainstorm.  What goals I have, where I've been spending my time, what I've accomplished, and so on.

What is interesting is that some of the goals have been achieved...when I've been super specific about them and taken ACTION steps to achieve them.  Others, went on the "wish" list and not so surprisingly, weren't accomplished.

So, once I decided to become a Life Coach professionally, not just doing it here and there for friends and family as they needed my help, I really had to get the goals nailed down.

I once heard a phrase from Dani Johnson that I will NEVER forget:

"If it isn't specific, it isn't dynamic!"

I'm not entirely sure if she's the originator of the phrase, but she is the one person I heard it from first, so I'll give credit where I believe it to be due.

Regardless, it wasn't until I got specific about my career choice, that I could become specific about my career path.  And once that became specific...the other details were easier to specify as well.
In this case, those details and goals were:  Who to coach.  When to coach.  Where to coach.  How to coach.  What outcomes to achieve.

So, my question for you right now is:

What goals do YOU have that you are ready to get SPECIFIC about so you can achieve DYNAMIC outcomes and create a life you love?

Leave me a comment or send me an email.  Would love to hear from you.  If you would like help with these goals once you've started thinking about them, I do have time slots available so just get in touch with me and we'll get started.

Loving Life; Hope You Are Too!

Joy

PS:  Do yourself a HUGE favor....set deadlines for your goals.  Running a marathon with no winner's tape at the end is a frustrating journey.  ;-)

Where Have You Been?

Where Have You Been...Joy??

If you've followed me over the years, you may have noticed I go through waves of blogging.  Sometimes, I will be more on other networks and social media then I am on here.  My messages, however, are always the same.

Always looking to improve myself.  Always looking to help others.  Always looking for new ways to express myself.  Always looking for new friends, and new connections to expand my circle of influence.

I've opened the doors, so to speak, and am now booking Discovery Sessions.  These are free calls, that I offer to help people in need of some coaching.  It's not actually a coaching, but as titled...a Discovery call. Some people, just from answering a few questions, start to figure out solutions for themselves.

In other cases, a package of coaching sessions is a better fit.  And, I offer two types of packages, at this time.  One-to-one coaching and group coaching.  

If you are ready to have a conversation about your goals, future and how we can work together, the next step is simple.  Just book a discovery session and we'll get started!

Reach out to me and book a discovery session today.

Let's get you moving on your path to happiness!

Your life is an occasion, my friend.  Rise to it!

Joy

#LoveMyLife

#LoveYourLife

Becoming Confident in Who You Are

Becoming Confident in Who You Are

One of the things I am constantly working on, and help others to work on, is having CONFIDENCE in one's self.  It's not easy when the world seems hell bent on crushing you every chance it gets.

The thing is...confidence comes from within.  It can be boosted by outside sources, but the only person that can truly give you confidence, is YOU.

Even if the boss says you've done a good job.

Even if your friends love the hand-made gifts you make them.

Even if your customers or clients sing your praises.

Even if your kids think you are amazing.

Even if your partner or spouse supports you.

They haven't given you confidence.

They have given you encouragement, support, love...so that YOU can bring out the confidence within yourself.

Ever have a challenge you struggled with...like losing weight or earning a degree, raise or promotion...until you achieved it?

Who did it?  YOU!

How did that make you feel?  CONFIDENT!

Were you inspired to do something else, or help someone else?  YES...because you have confidence.

You earned it.

YOU.

Not your boss.

Not your friends.

Not your customers or clients.

Not your kids.

Not your spouse or partner.

You have the ability to be confident, within you.  You just need to tap into it.  You may need a little help.  Just like a child learning to ride a bike.  But, once you get balanced...away you go.

Go for it!

Reach out to me and book a discovery session today.
Let's get you moving on your path to happiness!

Joy
#LoveMyLife
#LoveYourLife

Why Wait?

Why Wait When You Know What You Want?


"I don't have the money."
"I don't have the time."
"I don't know if it's right."
"I don't know if it'll work."

Just STOP.  I've been there.  I get it.  It's FEAR.

Don't let FEAR rule you!

As a person who has to think everything out, then still makes a boat load of mistakes...I can honestly say, JUST DO IT.

The time will NEVER be right.

Waiting for the money, the time, the people, the things...all just holding you up from having what you want.  Why wait?

It's not something you can just switch on/off but you sure as hell can work on it.  Starting NOW.

Go out and DO something right now.

Your Life is an Occasion; Rise to it!

Reach out to me and book a discovery session today.

Let's get you moving on your path to happiness!

Joy

#LoveMyLife

#LoveYourLife

Trust Yourself

Trust Yourself

That small voice in your head...

That nagging feeling in your heart...

That sinking feeling in your belly...

or

That peaceful feeling in your soul...
That calm, sweet peace that overtakes you...
That smile that comes pure happiness...

Good or bad...you need to trust yourself.

There's a reason you feel what you do, think what you do.

Whether it's a relationship with a loved one...

...business venture...

...career change...

...relocation...

...anything.

That feeling is there for a reason.  If someone tells you that you are crazy, don't let it phase you.

You may not be 100% right....

...but, you're not 100% wrong either.

I follow these feelings in the direction they urge me to go.  Then, I evaluate and take action.

Just a little thought for the day.

Your life is an occasion; RISE to it my friend.

<3

Joy

Let me know how I can help you today!
#LoveMyLife
#LoveYourLife

Everyone Wants to Feel Significant

Everyone Want to Feel Significant

To feel loved

To feel needed

To feel appreciated

To feel helpful

To feel like they matter

To feel like what they do, matters

We just all have different ways of going about achieving that feeling.

Some people find it in their career.

Some people find it in their fitness efforts.

Some people find in in their wealth.

Some people find it in charity.

Some people find it in volunteering.

Some people find it in addiction(s).

Some people find it in other people.

And, over your lifetime, there is a good chance that where you find your signifigance will change or evolve.

As a child, you may have found it in your schooling or friends.

As an adult, you may find it in your career or family.

It's not always healthy, or wise, the way that we achieve that feeling of importance.  But, at the time, it fills a need.  Once you realize that there are other ways to fulfill that need, you are free to move from the unhealthy, on to something healthier.

For example, a person who struggles with drugs or alcohol, in their mind, has found a way of feeling significant.  It could be the physical feeling, the emotional release, the lack of fear or restrictions, maybe even the person they become.

Going through counseling or therapy, they will be given the opportunity to find other ways to achieve the feelings they seek, without the use of dangerous substances.  It will become a win-win situation because they will be able to better take care of themselves AND still have a way to achieve that feeling of importance.  Of course, it's not as easy as just switching gears.  Depending on the person's needs, there may be other methods that are required to help them achieve the desired result.

You need to feel significant, don't you?

I know I DO.

I share my thoughts, insights, inspiring words....to help others.  Because that is what makes me feel significant.  Needed.  

If you struggle with this concept, I'd love to hear from you.  Maybe I can give you some insight to help you.

Understand this:  YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

Your life is an occasion; rise to it my friend.

Joy
#LoveMyLife
#LoveYourLife

I'm Free to Be What I Want

"I know where I'm going and I know the truth, and I don't have to be what you want me to be. I'm free to be what I want."

~Muhammad Ali

That man was truly amazing.  There was so much wisdom and not even acknowledging his boxing career (which was phenomenal), but just on the man and the life he led, the words and actions he demonstrated...truly the GREATEST.

I want to ask you right now, what will people say about you?  Are you living a life that serves others?  Are you sharing your gifts?  Your talents?  Are you telling the truth, without worrying about what people will say?  

Too many of us just skate through our lives hoping to not rock the boat, not cause a problem, not disappoint anyone.

Let me ask you a question:  What do you think Ali's life would have looked like if he'd just did as he was told, never spoke out, never questioned anyone, never took strides to be exactly who he knew he was meant to be?

You may not be the greatest athlete of all the time.

BUT...will you strive to become the greatest YOU?

That's what he did.  

Think about it my friend.

Then...go DO something about it.  DO something that you know damn well you should be doing.  Become the person you know you are supposed to be.

Can't wait to read your comments!  Share them below.

Your Life is an Occasion; Rise to it my friend.

Joy

Let Me Know How I Can Help You Today!

#LoveMyLife
#LoveYourLife  

Am I A Crazy B*tch?

Am I A Crazy Bitch?

If stupid is as stupid does, then...

Crazy is as crazy thinks.

What?  What did she just say?

I have to chuckle because this is so NOT where I was going to go with my post, until I started typing the title.

But, it's true.  See, one of the coaches/mentors I subscribe to put out a challenge to be CRAZY.  Now, this woman is a HELLCAT and she is crazy.  In her own way.  And, at the same time, she's completely sane.

It's all in your thinking my friend.

Because she's not "crazy" and neither am I.  I doubt you are either.  However, if you go sky diving for the first time, some one is bound to think you are one out of your bloody mind.  No?  But, for you, it's not crazy.  Unless you forgot the parachute.  LOL  No, for you it's daring.  For you it's about checking one thing off your bucket list.  For you, it's about spreading your wings and flying after years of being cooped up.

For me...it's not sky diving.  Not today, anyway.  What is "crazy" for me today is to go 110%, all out, no holds barred, on my business.  Sharing a side of me few know.  Giving more of myself than ever before.  Taking the risk of putting my business into OVER DRIVE because I want the rewards that come along with it.

Rewards?  Yep.  Rewards.  And, I'm not just talking about the money, honey.  Although that is sure to follow.  I'm talking about reaching the women who are sad, depressed, frustrated, burnt-out, tapped out, etc.  The women who have a burning desire in them to DO more, HAVE more and BE more.

BUT...they just don't know how to get from where they are: frustrated, sad, angry, struggling and so on...to where they want to be.  Where they know in their heart of hearts, they are CALLED to be.  I'm not talking about the people who sit there and sing a woeful ballad, point fingers at others or are otherwise NOT taking control of their life.

I'm talking about the BOLD, STRONG, MOTIVATED women who are...you know this saying...SICK AND TIRED OF BEING SICK AND TIRED.

I'm calling you out MAMA!  You have had enough of playing small.  You've had enough of worrying about everyone and everything and you finally know it's YOUR TIME.

I want to talk to YOU.  I want to see if there's a spark there that can be stoked.  That you do, in fact, know already that you HAVE what it takes and all you need now is some help bringing it to the surface.

I am offering a few FREE breakthrough sessions.  For about 20 minutes, you and I will talk briefly about where you are, and more importantly talk about where you want to go.  We'll work a little bit, together on helping you put a plan together to get start IMMEDIATELY to shift the course of your life.

I'm not going to have many spots open, so send an email to:  joymarinocoaching@gmail.com

Subject: I'm a Crazy B*tch too!!  :)

If you're not sure whether or not your ready to breakthrough all the crap...ask yourself this:

Is what I'm doing now working?  Am I happy, fulfilled and living a life on purpose?

If you answered NO to either, or both questions, send me an email. NOW.  Don't forget the special message in the subject line.

Are you "Crazy" enough to make change?
Are you "Crazy" enough to want more?
Are you "Crazy" enough to DO more?

Your life is an occasion; rise to it my friend!

Joy  

The One Thing I Am Most Proud Of Is

The One Thing I Am Most Proud Of Is...

...my strength.

I don't mean how I can pick up a 50 lb dog and lift them onto a table, at my job.  I mean how I've overcome a boatload of shit...and am still here to talk about it.

Almost two years ago, however, was a different story.  I felt like I was dying on the inside.  That the person I was intended to be, was like a bird in a cage.  Pretty to look at, sometimes kind of noisy, but otherwise trapped; never allowed to spread her wings and fly.

The only sunshine in my otherwise bleak world was my children.  Spending all day, every day with them lit me up.  But, when I wasn't with them, I was miserable.  Nights when they were tucked in, or at a friend's house, I buried myself in free books on kindle, so I could escape to places that weren't real or be a part of a story that wasn't my own.

A chain of events changed so much for me.  One day, I sat on the lid of the toilet and considered the least painful way to end my life.  I could take a handful of pills and just fall asleep, never to wake again.  Any other possibility was too painful to fathom.  I couldn't inflict physical pain on myself.  At least a bottle of benadryl would be an easy descent to the beyond.

And then, the tears came.  The thought of not seeing my babies grow up, get married, have families of their own.  Of never seeing my children graduate high school or dress for prom.  I'd miss everything.  And, even though my pain would cease, if I succeeded, my children would be hurt forever.  My youngest, who was just 1 year old, would never remember me.  Especially because no one would want to talk about the woman who cowardly abandoned her children.

I couldn't do that to them.  I wouldn't do that to them.  So, I made the hardest decision of my life.  One that still causes me heartache.  
I walked away from everything.  No money, no car, no job...and literally walked away.  

My older kids knew it was coming, because I didn't hide shit from them.  They knew how hurt I was.  How much pain I was in.  They didn't understand, of course, but they knew I was doing something that was best for me, at the moment, so that I could be better & healthy for them, down the road.

I struggled for awhile.  But, deep inside, I knew I had the strength to continue on.  I had the fire in me to follow my passion...follow my path.  I was finally free to be myself.  A feeling I hadn't had in over 15 years.  

So, I pulled my big girl panties up, fought depression once again, and got a job, got a place to live, got a car and started working on my credit. 

I went through a ton of transitions.  I saw my kids as much as possible.  I went through a divorce.  And, then, I started focusing on my future.  I needed to set big goals for myself and walk baby steps to get there.

This year, I am positioned to make a 6 figure income.  It is taking a great deal of work.  And, in that I feel stronger.  My strength isn't a physical one.  It's my strength of character.  My mental strength.  It's my commitment to myself and to my children that reminds me to keep strong and keep moving forward.

Now, I help women shift their mindset.  I encourage, empower and equip them to create a life they love.  To break through limiting beliefs.  To set goals for themselves.  To take action steps to move them forward.

In helping others, I become stronger.  In coaching other women, I fuel my purpose-driven, passion-filled life.  No, everything isn't sunshine and lollipops.  Not yet, anyway.  :)  

But, everything is coming together.  Everything is moving forward.  I hit obstacles and sometimes my mindset takes a hit; my strength waivers.  But, only until I am with my kids again, and feel that fire again.  

I have to be the woman I was created to be; only then can I teach my children the possibilities that are wide open for them.

So, that's my story, so far.  This new chapter is full of twists and turns, but the plot is compelling.  I'm looking forward to all that is to come; good, bad and neutral.  Every thing is a chance to learn & grow.  And, from that, I can teach others.   

Thank you for reading my story.  If you have read this far, perhaps you can relate to my story; perhaps it resonates with you on some level.  Perhaps, you need someone like me, in your life, right now.  Someone to give you hand up, some direction and help you free that beautiful caged bird (that's you hon).

I'd love to hear your comments, feedback and questions.  Just leave a comment below.  <3

Your life is an occasion; rise to it!

Joy

Done is Better Than Perfect

Done is better than perfect.

It's been said many different ways, but the bottom line is:
Just get it done!

You won't get it perfect. Hell, you may not get it right.  But, once you get it done, you can tweak it and modify it.

What is "it"?

That blog.
That article.
That website.
That business presentation.
That letter.
That phone call.
That...(fill in the blank).

If you wait...how does what you have to offer, help anyone?  Having a great article sitting in your drafts folder doesn't help a single person.  And it definitely isn't helping you, is it?

If you have a few different things unfinished because you are waiting to get them perfect...

Pick one and get it done.
Today.
Right now.
Go do it.

Then, pick another one and...yep,
Get. It. Done.

Comment and let me know that you got it done!


Joy

My Ultimate Truth

The one thing that has helped me the most to get to where I am today is:

Personal development.

More specifically, MINDSET.

I believe that whatever you think about, you bring about.  That no matter what is troubling you; no matter what the obstacles are, a simple shift in mindset can make all the difference.

Here's what I believe about mindset:

If you believe in something, you commit to it and stand by it.
If you think you can or cannot do something, you are right.
If you worry about the worst case scenario, chances are that you willl receive some form of that scenario.
If you stress over bills, finances, or anything that you can control, you cause yourself to block solutions to your problem because your focus is ON the problem itself.
If you are anxious or worried about things you can NOT control, you cause yourself a feeling of hopelessness, desperation and defeat.

My ultimate truth?  I am where I am today because I believed I could be here.  Some things I don't have control over.  Those things I must release.  The things I do have control over, however, are the things that I need to focus on so that I can create solutions to the "problems" I have created for myself.

The problems that I HAVE CREATED FOR MYSELF.

Taking ownership and responsibility for where I am is half the battle.

I promised to make payments that I failed to make.
I chose to live outside my means.
I chose not to get a second job.
I chose to pay for other people's financial responsibilities and neglected my own.
I indulged in fast food, entertainment and other things that sucked up my money.
I chose to find excuses why my business wouldn't work.
I procrastinated and didn't do the work I knew I needed to do.

I chose the life I have now.

The MINDSET flip?

I CHOOSE to take action in my business.
I CHOOSE to work with my creditors.
I CHOOSE to budget my time and money better.
I CHOOSE to consult a financial professional.
I CHOOSE to indulge only when I have budgeted for it.
I CHOOSE to not pay for anyone else's bills besides my own, unless I've budgeted for them.

When you CHOOSE to do something, you own the decision.  You mentally commit to doing what you've chosen to do.

I cannot control the increase in gas prices.  I can control wasting gas by letting the car run unnecessarily

I cannot control the finance rate on a loan, or the late fees.  I can control when I pay my bills and by paying early or on time, those additional fees are a non-issue.

My ultimate truth is that no matter what is going on in life, a shift in mindset can drastically change the course I am on.

The thing is, mindset or LOA or personal development is nothing but words; a theory, unless there is ACTION.

The choice is ALWAYS yours.  You just have to choose what you can control and what you will do about it.

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

TRUE?

Yep.

Go make some changes today!

Joy

What It Takes to Create a Life You Love

What I believe it takes to create a life you love is decide what you want, commit to doing what it takes and be willing to seek help when you need it.

In order to create a life you love, you need to CHOOSE to do so.  You must make the choices yourself, otherwise you won’t be able to stick to the plan.  

Too many of us seek answers from outside of ourselves.  We look to friends, family, co-workers, significant others, competitors, social media and so on, for a clue as to what we want.  

When, in reality, you already know what you want.  Deep down, you have strong desires, big dreams, hopes, aspirations; you know what you want but maybe you fear not achieving it.

So, what do you want?  Write out every single you want, no matter how big or how small it is.  Do you want to find your soulmate, have a child, change careers, move into a new home, work less but make more money…what do YOU want?

See, I have a list of things I want.  And perhaps, just like you, I dream of living a life that is different than what I see right now.  And maybe, like you, I occasionally let obstacles get in the way and tell myself that I can’t have what I want.  

Until I take a step back and realize,in that moment, that I’m not completely happy.  I’m not fulfilled.  I’m not living my life with a purpose or passion.  Sometimes, those outside influences are kind of helpful, because they cause a reality check.  

When a friend says that they feel bad for me because of all the strife and stress I’ve been under, it makes me stop and think, “Well, if they can see it, maybe then it’s time to do something differently.”

That’s when you set a new chain of events in motion.  That is when shit needs to get real.  

I’m in control of MY life; more specifically, my actions, reactions, plans, decisions, etc.  I may not be able to control the things around me, but I sure as hell can take control over the things that I do each and every day.

So, then we go to the list.  Take each thing and reflect on it a bit.  How can I make this become a reality?  What step can I take TODAY to move in that direction.  

Because action leads to progress, you see.  And progress is moving forward.  For example, I will become a six-figure income earner by the end of this year (see the wording? It’s important. WILL is intentionally).  So, what action steps can I take TODAY to move me in that direction?  Create a new program?  Connect with new clients?  Offer freebies to get my ideal clients attention?  Yep, these are all things I can do to make progress towards my goal.

Now, it’s liberating to get started but the key here is to continue forward.  Consistency is crucial.  Every single day, I need to do some work that will take me in the direction I want to go.  It’s not enough to make a choice to get started, but you have to plug away every single day.  Keep doing the actions needed to get where you want to go.  AND, make sure you adjust, each day, accordingly.  Something didn’t work yesterday, try it again today, but tweak it a little if needed.  Just keep moving forward.

I’m not great with consistency.  I admit it.  Taking vitamins, working out, blogging, etc.  BUT, I recognize it and try to do what I can to change that.  Set an alarm on my phone to do a task at a certain time every single day until it becomes habit.  

Because in the long run, I WANT THE RESULTS that will come from consistent action.  I CRAVE the results.  I DESERVE the results.  Don’t YOU????

Also, seeking help when needed is a tough, but important element.  If you can’t do something, you need to reach out and find someone who IS doing it successfully AND is willing to help you.  It can be mundane things like paying bills, answering emails, picking up the dry cleaning…or as big as marketing and advertising, accounting, hiring employees or whatever, for your business.

So, I believe that it takes decision, commitment, action, consistency and seeking out help; to create a life you love.  What about you?

Your life is an occasion my friend. Rise to it!

Joy

#LoveMyLife
#LoveYourLife