What If....
As I launch this website, I have feelings of pride, excitement, bravery but in full disclosure, there’s also some fear mixed in too. This is MY brand, a reflection of ME as a woman, a wife, a mom, a friend, a professional, a community role model. As in Erin Hanson’s quote “…What if I fail? Oh but my darling, What if you fly?”, I won’t know until I start following my curiosity which makes me also think of a line from Mary Oliver’s poem The Summer Day: “What will you do with your one precious life”.
In typical January fashion, I like many others view this time of year as a clean slate. Not being a fan of winter at all, I take this month to hibernate as much as possible, plan for the year, prep for taxes, undecorate and do some deep cleaning. As I undecorated from the holidays this year, I spent time planning this website launch but also reflecting about how our holidays look so different now as our daughters have gotten older.
There are no school parties to organize, school or church programs to attend, Santa visits, cookies and milk for Santa, or snacks for the reindeer. December is always a fun month prepping for the holidays. With two of our daughters still in college, there is always the excitement of the semester break. One of our daughters graduated from graduate school just before Christmas so it was exciting to help celebrate her achievement. For Christmas week, three of our daughters could be home this year and we all agreed on a “chill” holiday. No dressing up, holiday table decorating, or crowded itineraries. My husband, Brent, still roasted our traditional prime rib Christmas Eve dinner before exchanging gifts but the rest of the time was enjoying downtime eating, watching movies, napping, and reading. The girls took turns cooking at least one meal for the family during break which was nice!
Thinking about how independent the girls are now living on their own, working jobs, going to school (or all three!), our roles as parents have shifted from being protectors to advisors and role models. The best ways I believe I can be a better role model for our girls is to not only be available for them when they have questions or need help working through a decision or dilemma but to also follow my curiosity and learn new skills, embrace new experiences, lean into my strengths and support network, and be brave to step out of my comfort zone. The sky is the limit and I have always been a believer that the right people come across your path when you need each other. I can be an example to show that when you set intentions and goals, the universe will help make things happen.
Launching PEARL Principles, LLC is my opportunity to put my stamp on the world to share my experience, strengths, ideas and creativity. The life lessons I’ve learned on the way that I wish I had known sooner are the inspiration for the values or principles PEARL represents to me:
*Purpose: Being engaged with a mission that I can be proud to represent.
*Engagement: Being present and making intentional contributions.
*Authenticity: Lean into my strengths when sharing my perspective. Ask questions and listen to learn.
*Relationships: I have met some amazing people throughout my life; from my hometown to school to work to traveling. I really try to build positive interactions while being kind at the same time.
*Leadership: We are all leaders and role models to each other as we move throughout our day. Be someone who inspires and includes others by sharing your strengths and what makes you unique.
I want to thank my family, friends, and especially Brent for encouraging and believing in me to make this career pivot a reality. I couldn’t do this without him!
Throughout the year as I explore my curiosity and interests by being adventurous, reading, meeting people, and trying new things, I’ll share my experiences, pictures, thoughts and ideas.
Thank you for reading!
In typical January fashion, I like many others view this time of year as a clean slate. Not being a fan of winter at all, I take this month to hibernate as much as possible, plan for the year, prep for taxes, undecorate and do some deep cleaning. As I undecorated from the holidays this year, I spent time planning this website launch but also reflecting about how our holidays look so different now as our daughters have gotten older.
There are no school parties to organize, school or church programs to attend, Santa visits, cookies and milk for Santa, or snacks for the reindeer. December is always a fun month prepping for the holidays. With two of our daughters still in college, there is always the excitement of the semester break. One of our daughters graduated from graduate school just before Christmas so it was exciting to help celebrate her achievement. For Christmas week, three of our daughters could be home this year and we all agreed on a “chill” holiday. No dressing up, holiday table decorating, or crowded itineraries. My husband, Brent, still roasted our traditional prime rib Christmas Eve dinner before exchanging gifts but the rest of the time was enjoying downtime eating, watching movies, napping, and reading. The girls took turns cooking at least one meal for the family during break which was nice!
Thinking about how independent the girls are now living on their own, working jobs, going to school (or all three!), our roles as parents have shifted from being protectors to advisors and role models. The best ways I believe I can be a better role model for our girls is to not only be available for them when they have questions or need help working through a decision or dilemma but to also follow my curiosity and learn new skills, embrace new experiences, lean into my strengths and support network, and be brave to step out of my comfort zone. The sky is the limit and I have always been a believer that the right people come across your path when you need each other. I can be an example to show that when you set intentions and goals, the universe will help make things happen.
Launching PEARL Principles, LLC is my opportunity to put my stamp on the world to share my experience, strengths, ideas and creativity. The life lessons I’ve learned on the way that I wish I had known sooner are the inspiration for the values or principles PEARL represents to me:
*Purpose: Being engaged with a mission that I can be proud to represent.
*Engagement: Being present and making intentional contributions.
*Authenticity: Lean into my strengths when sharing my perspective. Ask questions and listen to learn.
*Relationships: I have met some amazing people throughout my life; from my hometown to school to work to traveling. I really try to build positive interactions while being kind at the same time.
*Leadership: We are all leaders and role models to each other as we move throughout our day. Be someone who inspires and includes others by sharing your strengths and what makes you unique.
I want to thank my family, friends, and especially Brent for encouraging and believing in me to make this career pivot a reality. I couldn’t do this without him!
Throughout the year as I explore my curiosity and interests by being adventurous, reading, meeting people, and trying new things, I’ll share my experiences, pictures, thoughts and ideas.
Thank you for reading!