THIS IS MY BIG NEWS!

More details will be coming soon, but I couldn’t keep it under wraps any longer. The Big Man and I are hitting the road in September in our Honda CRV with a Autohome topper to spread our various messages/passions/livelihoods. His latest venture’s not completely ready to roll, but here’s the sneak peek!

I’ll be continuing to spread the Stratejoy message by teaching workshops like this and this all over, leading coaching groups over the phone (as well as continuing to work with private clients), working on new product launches, and yes, interviewing inspirational women in their 20′s & 30′s for some sort of book/video project.

Stratejoy hits the road! Woo’ freakin’ Hoo!

Home base will be Stella (the CRV), various couches, national parks, a hotel room here or there, and perhaps, your guest room? We’ll be on the road for as long as it’s still fun. Could be 3 months, could be a year… I won’t be gone, though I may shorten my working week to 3 days, so I can play and explore (offline). So don’t worry, love. I’m still just a phone call, email, tweet away.

I cannot wait to meet the Tribe. I can’t wait to eat local delights, take a million photos, and share the passion I have for living life on OUR OWN TERMS, measured by our own definition of success. I can’t wait to meet you! And hear your story face-to-face. And share a coffee, or a glass of wine, or an adventure.

I can’t breathe sometimes. That’s how excited I am.

So, the question is– How can you get involved? Well, I’m going to need an rockstar Street Team to help plan the local events. If you’re interested in bringing a Stratejoy Workshop to your town, EMAIL ME (molly @ stratejoy [.] com) immediately. I’ll put you on the “inner circle” list. In fact- title your email “Inner Circle”!! Details will be going out soon. And of course, nothing is set in stone yet. You’re not committing yourself by emailing, just declaring your interest in finding out more!

What are you getting yourself into? Here’s a couple of pics from the event I did in DC !

[[ above ]] Kimberly Wilson sharing her awesomeness with the group! She is the creative director and founder of tranquil space – named among the top 25 yoga studios in the world by Travel + Leisure, author of hip tranquil chick and tranquilista, and holds a Master’s in Women’s Studies. She rocked our socks for 60 minutes.

[[ below ]] They look all sweet and innocent, but these ladies just spent the day plotting world domination and major happiness. The battle cry, “Joy for all” rang out, loud and clear.

Other ways to get involved? If you know (or are) a Quarterlifer with an amazing, inspirational story, email me so I can make sure I plan my route to include an interview with you! Or if you want to take me out for a cocktail at your favorite bar, email me! Or if you want to hook me up with your uncle who has the killer beach house and loves house guests, email me! Or, or , or!!! JxesSDFfdseHEeserRs!!! Can’t talk. Too excited. Channeling @nicoleisbetter.

One of the only sad bits about making this dream come true? Leaving Seattle for an extended amount of time. I’m teaching my last local workshop on the 15th and have already said goodbye to my amazing, awesome Club ReFresh girls. Sniff…

[[ below ]] Andria fulfilling one of her big dreams: becoming a pro belly dancer and instructor! You can take a class with her in Seattle. I’m SOO in when I get back. Check it out.

Moral of this rather long post? Dreams come true. We make our own luck, so get clear about what you want, keep your positive intentions handy, and have faith. Take a step forward, even when you’re scared. Don’t be afraid of being brilliant, of your amazing juicy life, or working hard to make it all happen.

And if you need some encouragement, I’m here. In spirit, on the intraweb, and soon enough, in the flesh.

To the Road Trip!

photo credit : daredarlington

My First Post As A Quarterlife Crisis Survivor

posted 29th July 2010 Written by: Katie CATEGORY: Inspiration, Katie, Season 2

“One day you’ll feel like everything is finished. That will be the very beginning.” – Unknown

I’ve started, completed, deleted, and rewritten this post about 10 times already. 6 months ago, I was composing my first blog post as a Season 2 guest blogger, and today I’m composing my last post.

Even typing “last post” doesn’t sit right with me. I feel like its a fluke, Molly is going to call Nicole, Heather Rae and I tomorrow and say “Hey lovelies, you’re my permanent quarterlife crisis bloggers!” Of course I understand that it would be as if she were sentencing us to a lifetime of Quarterlife Crisis blogging – which is kind of a prison sentence. But a pretty prison, with flowers and pink sketchy stars and hand drawn hearts. But a prison, nevertheless.

6 months ago I was sleeping and spending my days away doing nothing of great joy. I couldn’t remember the last time that I was truly happy, let alone how to spend a day being good to myself. I was stuck in a dark tunnel, and though little bits of light would shine in, I was too busy shielding my eyes from it. I got too comfortable with the feeling of misery, and was satisfied with a mediocre day instead of chasing amazing days and experiences. I wrote it off as depression, but was relieved to find out that other women were in the same situation I was, and it wasn’t a life of misery sentence.

It was just a quarterlife crisis.

Halfway through (about 3 months ago) I hit my ultimate rock bottom and blogged here about it. I realized that in order for things to change, I had to make changes. Wanting things to change wasn’t enough. Getting e-mails from the Universe wasn’t enough. I had to show up to life in order to experience it. Life can’t be lived from underneath the covers, no matter how many numbered thread count they are.

You guys kind of know me by now, right? I’m sure I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, I don’t complete things. I have tons and tons of ideas, but absolutely no follow through. I’ve been trying to graduate school for 7 years now. I start tons of projects and never see them to completion. I end up working to a point that challenges me in a new way that I’m not prepared for, and I stop.

But this time for 6 months, 180 days, I created 26 blog posts. I stuck with it, I posted through the good times, and through the bad. I can proudly say that even though my days aren’t filled with sunshine and happy things, I can see a bright light at the end of my tunnel.

I’ll be graduating in a little over 2 months, and going on to get my degree. I’ve cut red meat out of my diet and am working toward eliminating chicken. I moved from New Jersey to Philadelphia. I know what I want from life, and I know exactly what I need to do to get it. I’ve cultivated healthy habits and developed strong relationships.

…and I have all of you to thank.

To The Readers: Those of you who have read, commented, retweeted, liked facebook statuses, etc. THANK YOU. Whenever one of my posts would hit, I’d check religiously to see if anyone commented with their own experiences/feedback. This surely sent Molly’s stats off the charts with Philadelphia, PA hits.

To Heather and Nicole - You ladies are complete awesome-stars. I loved blogging with you lovely ladies and getting daily inspiration from you. I can only hope we stay in close touch, and I’ll be keeping up with you and your lives as often as humanly possible.

To Molly - I don’t do emotion, but you forced it out of me. Your Joy Equation encouraged me to really assess my current reality, and realize that things needed to change. I learned that I can do anything that I want to do, but I need to DO things in order to achieve things. I’m the poster child for “I tried every program and nothing worked”, and you proved me wrong. Your faith, encouragement, and reassuring support got me through the toughest time of my life. I also don’t do XOXO’s, but XOXO, seriously.

To The Season 3 Bloggers: I’m so excited to be working so close with you guys. Your stories are super amazing, and I can’t wait to hear more about how your big lives unfold over the next 6 months. Enjoy the journey, and if you need anything, blog related or not, hit me up. Sometimes you just need that neutral ear to listen. I’m here, babes.

And with that, friends, I must be moving on. Although it’s comfortable here, sharing my experience with the QLC, it’s time for me to become an official Quarterlife Crisis Survivor and keep on surviving.

And in the words of one of my guilty pleasure movies, Grease:

“Is this the end?”
“Of course not, it’s only the beginning”

Instead of the traditional name and description image that I typically use at the end of my posts, and have for the last 6 months, I have a new, improved one with the applicable updates, courtesy of the wonderful, amazing, and talented Erin Workman. (She makes adorable things at her Etsy shop. She has adorable puppies. She also does some awesome graphic and web design.)

[Note from the Editor: Katie, Katie, Katie. Seriously, where do I even start? You have been an AMAZING voice here. You have been an AMAZING fan of Stratejoy. You are simply AMAZING, Katiepants. I don't know if I've ever told you this- but I get plenty of emails that start with, "I totally relate to Katie. I'm so glad you featured someone just like me..." Your honesty, your sass, your ability to pay attention to why you do what you do and then share it with us is pretty incredible. Those big dreams of yours, honey? They're so yours. Not a doubt in my mind.

Thank you with every ounce of my being for sharing your story.. I am so thankful I got the chance to spend so much time with you in DC (hugging you every other minute!) and can't wait until our next rendezvous. And I'm freakin' jazzed you're staying on to help with Season 3. The girls couldn't have a better big sister. Big smooshy xxxx's and oooo's, Molly]

When One Chapter Ends, Another Begins

posted 28th July 2010 Written by: Heather Rae CATEGORY: Heather Rae, Season 2, What I've Learned

Six months ago, I started a new journey. I walked away from my job and made a pact with myself – I would write my novel, start traveling and develop as an artist. And then I decided to share that journey with you.

That’s been the best part in some ways, sharing this experience with other people who totally get it. Which is also probably the reason I put off writing this post for so long. What can I say? I’m having a little separation anxiety.

Actually, I’ve been having a lot of separation anxiety lately. Two weeks ago, I uprooted myself from Pasadena to start a new life in the Seattle area. I arrived in the Pacific Northwest after a freaking long yet somehow amazing road trip, and the reality of leaving my friends behind hit me. Then I realized I’d also moved incredibly far from my family in Las Vegas. Everyone is so far away.

These days, I remind myself of this: when one chapter ends, another begins.

So, long story short, this is my last official Stratejoy post. Personally, the fact that six months have passed since this all began, well, I can’t believe it. Can you? I seriously had to look at the calendar and count the months to be sure. (Not even kidding about that.) I left my job six months ago. I started writing for Stratejoy six months ago. I set out to work on myself and my dreams, yep, six months ago.

Looking back at where I started, I think I’ve done pretty well. It has, by no means, been a perfect journey. But I made an absolutely amazing start. And for me, for where I am right now in this moment, it actually is perfect. Because what I’ve realized is this — where I am at any moment in time, that’s exactly where I should be.

I finished the first draft of my novel. I haven’t started traveling yet (unless you count a three-day, six state road trip through the western U.S. and moving out of state), but I am making plans to take an international trip before the year is out. Writing a novel sort of took over my life, leaving my art on the back burner. I did, however, join a group for mixed-media collage artists, and I can’t wait to meet the group in August. I went rock climbing and hiking and spent more time outdoors. And I found a great language institute where I’ll sign up for French classes in the fall.

All in all, not a bad ride. And it’s only just begun. That’s the beauty in all of this. The years may be short, but the days are long. And I plan to pack as much life into each day as I possibly can.

I invite you to continue following my journey — the likely maddening experience of revising a novel, the joy of meeting new friends, the sadness of missing old ones, the love, the wins, the fails and my attempt to break all the rules. Send me an email. Leave me a comment. Tweet me. (And I may just resort to begging Molly to let me guest post on occasion.) Also, if you’re ever in the Seattle area (maybe you already are), I’d love to meet you!

Here’s how to find me:

My Blog — In Search of Squid

Twitter — @insearchofsquid

There’s a song lyric that I love. “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.”

And so, I’m signing off. I’m thinking of it as a new beginning. A new beginning for the next group of sure-to-be-amazing Stratejoy bloggers. And a new beginning for me, as I embark on this next chapter.

[Note from the Editor: Okay, Heather Rae, I'm totally crying over here. When I think back to your journey, the immense of amount of bravery, ups and downs, and grace in the face of some BIG changes- I get all choked up. You're the epitome of a gutsy girl and I'm incredibly grateful that you shared it all with us. Thank you from all of us. Seriously, sunshine- You are INSPIRING. I can't wait to say I knew you when...

And I'm ridiculously excited for our long, long lunch next Monday. To thank you in person, to give you a great big hug, to welcome you to this next part of your journey here in Seattle. I wish you all the best in the world- adventures, love, learning, and success served up exactly as you'd like it. I'm thrilled that we're going to be fast friends here in the Northwest. Can't you just feel it? Love x 30, Molly]

6 Months Worth Of Lessons In Under 600 Words

posted 27th July 2010 Written by: Nicole Antoinette CATEGORY: Inspiration, Life Lesson, Nicole Antoinette, Quarterlife Crisis, Season 2, What I've Learned

When I started writing for Stratejoy, I had just up and moved to San Francisco with no job, no money, no friends, no place to live, and no plan. I had a crush on a boy and a love for the Golden Gate Bridge, but that was about it.

In the time that’s passed between then and now, I have found an incredible job, a stable income, a place to live, some of the best friends I’ve ever had, a plan for the future, a relationship with a new (and infinitely better-for-me) boy, and a continually renewing love for the Golden Gate Bridge.

Taking this weekly pause to write about the more serious side of my life has helped me frequently reflect on who I am, who I want to be, and how to best close the gap between the two. In those moments of reflection, here are the lessons I’ve learned:

Take the time to talk things out with the people you care about. Honest communication solves most problems before they become problems at all. And don’t just talk, listen.

Understand that different doesn’t have to mean bad. I’m me and you’re you and our differences can help us bring each other closer to where we want to be.

Send thank you cards. Sincere expressions of gratitude let someone know that what they did mattered to you, and most of the time what we need is to feel appreciated.

Make plans. The only thing better than having something delicious to look forward to is feeling the plans turn to memories and knowing you’ll be able to fondly remember them forever.

Treat yourself better than you treat anyone else. Understand that selfish and self-care are two different things, and that you can’t show up for anyone else if you don’t show up for yourself first.

Remember that your greatest freedom is the freedom to choose. You can choose which impulses to follow and which to ignore. You can choose who you let into your life, how you spend your time, and what occupies your thoughts. Think good thoughts.

Find what inspires you, and then mainline it on the regular. There’s no such thing as too much inspiration.

Stand up for the people you love and the beliefs that move you. Let yourself be passionate, even if it means your ideas and feelings will be isolating to some. We’re not here to please everyone and there’s no glory in being watered down, overly accommodating versions of ourselves.

Stop wanting what you don’t want. Learn to tell the difference between what you actually want and what your ego wants. Tell your ego to shut the hell up.

Ask questions. Other people can’t read your mind, so don’t assume you can read theirs. The fastest way to find out what you want to know is to just ask.

Give people room to make mistakes. High standards give you great results, but unrealistic standards give you nothing but disappointment.

And lastly, take risks. If you don’t jump to try to reach your best possible life, who will?

[Note from the editor: Nicole Antoinette, it's been an absolute JOY, to have you in my life these last 8 months. Can you believe that's all it's been? From our very first emails that crossed paths in the ether, to lunch in SF, to phone calls asking the Universe to just get you to California, to the amazing hot mess you pulled off in Vegas- you are a bundle of energy, an amazing friend, and a woman to be reckoned with.

I thank you from the very bottom of my heart for sharing your passion, your killer writing skills, and such an intimate slice of your life over here. The Tribe and I will never be the same, sweetness! Here's to the big dreams coming true, finding happiness in the small moments, and being utterly and deliciously YOU. 'Cause you're so damn good at being YOU. Love, Love, Love, Molly]

photo credit: Jamie Varon

Q & A with Molly B

posted 23rd July 2010 Written by: Molly Mahar CATEGORY: Molly

Well, by now, you know the drill! Nicole, Heather, Katie and I asked each other questions. I can’t even remember whose are whose at this point.

You know what I’d love? If you picked out one question, headed over to Stratejoy’s Facebook page and then answered the question on the wall! Woo!

And without further ado….

What’s your favorite food memory?

As a graduate of a college degree that required me to taking cooking and wine classes, I’m a complete foodie. Thus, this question is hard. I think I’m going with two nights that the Big Man and I spent in Madrid, eating at the exact same restuarant in the Chueca District. Normally, I want new, new, new- but our cava (Spanish champagne) and company (super close European tables in the gay district) and simply delicious cold salads and pastas were so delicious and cheap, that we had to go back the next night! It was love at first sip (and bite!)

And if I remembered what it was called, I’d totally share with you, but unfortunately it’s lost to my crowded travel memory.

What can’t you live without? What do you wish there was less of in the world? I

I can’t live without comfortable beds, kind strangers, my BB (baby blanket which I’ve had since the beginning of time and now resides in my bed stand), people who are fantastically themselves and bear hugs. I’d be perfectly happy to cut out bosses who get their kicks putting people down, college date rape, global warming, the media’s image of unattainable beauty, and imitation crab.

If you could have any super power, what would it be and why?

I have incredibly complex saga-like dreams of saving the world, and in all of them all I can read thoughts. So although that sounds a bit stressful in everyday life, I think I’m going to need it to save the world! And if I get one just for fun, I’d pick flying. Oh yah.

If you could live anywhere in the world for six months (money being no object), where would you live and why?

Verona, Italy. Ask me tomorrow and my answer might change (Capitola, California or Lublijana, Slovenia also come to mind!), but for today it’s Verona. Why? I had the best cappuccino of my life there, it’s gorgeous, it feels like a real Italian city, I love drinking carafes of wine at lunch and dinner, and the Big Man would definitely come with me.

image from Destination 360

What do you consider the most important event in your life so far?

Urgh! Who wrote this question? I’m going to go with the very last day of our 10 month trip around the world, when I knew my life was going to be completely different upon my return…

If you had to spend $10,000 in one day, what would you do with it?

If I was being really responsible I’d spring for a new (used) car. If I was thinking of my future, I’d pay for Life Coaching Training and Certification. If was being frivolous but fun, I’d pay for my mum, dad, sister and the Big Man to join me at this Yoga Surfing Retreat!

Describe your priorities in four words or less.

Connection, Love, Contribution, Joy

What is the one thing you most want to be known for?

Seriously, did I write this one? Let’s see- I want to be known for laughing hard, telling the truth, taking risks, holding fast and loyal to my loved ones, undertaking adventures, contributing to the greater good, and being kind. But if I only get to pick one thing- I’m going for “inspiring others to live joyfully”. Whatever that means, however it is expressed. I want to be known for letting others know it’s okay to do your own thing, live your own life, and to ENJOY it!

You’re in a bar for karaoke night, you have to choose three songs to sing, and each one has to be one that you relate to each of the following things: Love, Life, and Friends. Which three songs do you choose and why?

Great timing, as I’ll be in rocking out a private karaoke room for my bachelorette party this weekend! Though, for some reason, I’m ridiculously scared of karaoke… Pushing limits with my best girlfriends!

Love: Good Hearted Man by Tift Merrit

Life: Who I Am by Jessica Andrews

Friends: Levon by Elton John, Father Figure by George Michael, or Free Falling by Tom Petty

What’s the weirdest thing that you’ve cried because of?

This. Click the Mommy.

I’m coming to visit your city for just 2 hours during a layover flight for a business trip. Where would you be certain to take me and why?

Well two hours won’t give us much time, but we’d probably eat some blasted broccoli and drink some rose champagne at Black Bottle, then make sure you had time to see the original Starbucks, the gum wall, and the fish throwers in the Market, and finally pick up some cinnamon mini donuts and Beecher’s cheese curds for your flight!

The Inspiration List?

I have shared soooo many of these so I’m just going to do fun favorites this time!

Novels: Memoirs of a Geisha, The Bronze Horseman, She Comes Undone, A Fine Balance, and anything by Jon Irving.

Singer/Songwriters you’ve probably never heard of: Jason Myles Goss, Loni Rose, Josh Damigo, and Vicci Martinez.

Adventures undertaken: Bungee Jumping from the highest jump in the world in South Africa, trekking in Peru, sailing in Croatia, eating at Pok Pok in Portland, yachtbrowsing in Monte Carlo, skiing off the tram in Big Sky, walking on lava in Guatemala, and just surviving crossing the street in Mumbai.

So…. know enough about me, yet? XOXO

Archive

Big Dreams Coming True and Stratejoy Road Trip!!

THIS IS MY BIG NEWS!

Stratejoy hits the road! Woo’ freakin’ Hoo!

My First Post As A Quarterlife Crisis Survivor

“One day you’ll feel like everything is finished. That will be the very beginning.” – Unknown

When One Chapter Ends, Another Begins

6 Months Worth Of Lessons In Under 600 Words

Q & A with Molly B

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