What is your bottom line?

My bottom line when I was more B2B focused was changing the way business is done, one entrepreneur at a time. I'm not sure whether that's really changed, truthfully. I think it's just grown to include non-entrepreneurs and life. I KNOW deep in my gut that I was put here to share the experience I've had living my life with others that are facing the same sorts of challenges. I want to be of service, but I also want to make money. The last 12 years have been a financial desert for me, and the struggle is getting really really tiresome. It's time to start making enough to have a great lifestyle instead of one of existence.

My plan for balance is to focus primarily on making the difference and trust that if I'm doing what I'm truly meant to do, the financial shift will happen as well.

Good question!

My bottom line is and always has been to make a tremendous difference to my community, my family and mostly my employees. This is very much in line with my core values..

I remind my employees regularly that less than 15 years ago, I was stuffing envelopes for a marketing company for a living. - I was a single parent, living in transitional housing with no car and no washer or dryer. After realizing I was in charge of the perceptions I carry of the world around me - things started to change... In a big way.

Needless to say most of my employees have been with me very long term, as have my customers...People come and they rarely leave. If they do leave, it's usually just for a little while and then they come back. - I'm blessed with those I'm surrounded with.

As my husband undergoes life changes with his health, our employees, customers and business friends are supportive and loving. - It doesn't get much better then this! And the best part of it is - I've witnessed many, many life miracles within them as they grow and come into themselves...Much the same as I have.

Thanks for posting such a fantastic question.

Thank you for this question.

My bottom line, I think, is expressed through the words of Paul Winter's song, Small Green Island". Here are the words that make my heart sing:

You and I on a small, green island, spinning round and round in space. And this small, green island is a living Being. And we are living proof of her grace.

Although I'm not a huge fan of quotations, I can't pass this one up because it's just plain always with me.

To me, Paul Winter's use of the word "grace" means what is right and good. And his use of the word "we" extends beyond humanity to include all living beings.

It seems that every part of my life is connected in some way to the earth and other beings. And, most of the time, my ventures are focused on these "other beings", giving voice to the voiceless. In particular, sharing the idea that all beings are expressions of Earth's grace. Success for me is defined by how well I am able to do this.

As an Earth educator, I am helping young children create a bond with Earth and other species through the use of literature and the arts. I've been at it for quite awhile now. It has been quite a journey and financially successful. Although it was great fun in the beginning to see those checks from preschools/learning centers arriving in my mailbox, it wasn't long before I hardly noticed them. What I do continue to notice, though, is that young children are pretty excited when "Miss Mary" comes to visit with a new story, song, art project, etc. This is the bottom line for me. Through this work, children are learning that all beings (including themselves) are part of Earth's grace.

As a Minister of Music in a UU church, I am sharing music that leads folks to a place where inner peace is possible. As well, I am encouraging fellow musicians to share their own "bottom line" through music.

In a new small venture I'm offering a gift giving service and hoping that it will provide folks with an opportunity to give in an environmentally responsible way.

Again, thank you, Rev. Elke, for your question. This really got me thinking! And, after many years away out of grad school. . . articulating my thoughts through a keyboard! UGH! That's the hardest part. And I'm quite rusty!

Thank you for your kind words. I wrote my response late, late last night. At times, I wanted to give up. It's often real work for me (I'm sure others will agree) to get my thoughts in written form.

And, I know it's work I need to do.. with great frequency, and increased fluency.

I'm very happy to be a part of Biznik and particularly the Turquoise Tribe. I'm quite new here and started with Biznik as a way to network and get ahead in my new venture, Simple Gifts.

As usual, I have gravitated toward a group that challenges me spiritually and forces me to examine my goals and values.

Thank you, thank you, Rev. Elke.

Mary

Not shameless at all. . . it's why I joined up with Biznik. So, yes! I'll read!

I'll read. . . and comment!

Okay. .. I'm reading. .. and rereading all 5 Parts. And going back to my not-page-worn-enough copy of the Four Agreements.

There's alot in these articles! Food for my soul!

Today I vow to be a turtle rather than a hamster!

Definitely out of my shell. Just doing things on turtle time.

I house, care for, and co-educate with 15 turtles: Box Turts., Russian torts, Red-Eared Sliders. They take their time. .. and usually get things right, which is why they've lived on the planet so long, I'm convinced.

Yes. The articles are really fabulous and I see that you have learned some valuable lessons about making assumptions. Your personal case study made me shiver, too, as I read it. Wow. Talk about learning a lesson from the Universe.

I look forward to adding my thoughts as I keep reading.

Mary