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More Molly-isms

posted 26th July 2011    Written by: Molly Mahar    CATEGORY: Family, Molly, Season 4, Travel/Adventure

It’s that time again!  It’s the Interview post, baby!  I’ve done them twice already, but always love a good Q & A.  Check out Season 2 and Season 3 if you want more random facts about me…

This photo is my Momma and I drinking coffee frappes on the island of Paros in Greece.  It was hot.  I bought some killer leather wedges.  We went swimming at a fabulous beach.  Good day all around!

Before I start, I want to make sure ya’ll know that the 10 week Group Coaching Programs are open for registration!  We’ve got the Deliberate Living Group (for those who want to learn how to be happy from the inside out) and the Get It Off the Ground Group (for those who want to launch something all of their own).  And if you sign up before midnight on Wednesday the 27th, you’ll get a bonus 30 minute 1-on-1 coaching session with me.  I’ve taught 3 rounds of these programs and absolutely adore working with YOU closely. We get on the phone every week for 10 weeks.  We’ll be jamming into mid October!

Want in?  Act quickly.  3 of the 12 spots are already gone…

Onto the Juicy Questions!

What are you most proud of from the last 6 months?

Growing my business in a major way.  Making decisions as part of a healthy marriage for the good of our future together.  Writing the Joy Juice Prompts and having people email me about difference they are making in their lives.  Fulfilling a 2011 goal of feeling like a “sexpot”.  Not letting the cost of the Greece trip scare me from going on it.  Being more vulnerable with my close girlfriends. Getting rid of loads of scrapped up heels and old tube tops from college! (Don’t ask.)

What is your favorite meal memory?

I’ve got an entire story about this one!  Quick version: Nepenthe in Big Sur.  A white wine blend and beet salad with chevre and pea sprouts.  A lovely afternoon of sunshine and serious amazement.

What’s the best piece of advice you have for someone struggling with a QLC? 

That you are not alone.  That you have the answers inside yourself even if you feel like you don’t. That you are enough, just as you are.  That it’s absolutely okay to want “more”, as long as you’re actively taking (even tiny!) steps to move toward your “more”.  That you don’t have to do what everyone else does: your personal integrity, connection to your soulself and own definition of success are more important than fitting in or being liked.  That you can trust yourself.  That seeking happiness and fulfillment is a worthwhile goal.  That giving is sometimes the best way to getting.

A Quarterlife Crisis is a chance to examine your life closely, deliberately and craft a day-to-day on your own terms.  Perhaps it’s a gift of exploration and declaration instead of a crisis, eh?

 

 

Post a picture of your happy self over the last six months – Where were you, what were you doing and who were you with?  I’ve got two!  The one above is after I jumped out of a plane at 13,000 feet — crossing off another item on my Life List.  I’m with Dave Ursillo, my new favorite person, work husband, and c0-teacher in our upcoming Personal Leadership/Starting Now/Power of Choice Course.  Register to get more information about the Course as it rolls out!  We’re aiming for an late September, early October launch…

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The photo below is my mom, sister, and the hilarious Greek waiter who kept bringing us free white wine and food in Athens.  It was the last night of our trip and we spent 2 hours laughing hysterically and talking  about what "real life" had in store for us.  I was truly joyful and grateful for my family where I feel completely free to get slightly soused and make fun of myself. (Notice the similar flushes and crinkled eye smiles!)


What’s the best piece of advice someone has ever given you?  "If you don't give up, you won't fail," via The Big Man aka my husband.

What’s your killer music mix? It one hundred percent depends on what I'm doing...  But here's my most recent mix for creative writing and artwork.

Skip the Charades: Cold War Kids
Faster: Matt Nathanson
Lights: Ellie Goulding
Stay the Night: James Blunt
Every Thug Needs a Lady: Alkaline Trio
Pocket Change: Josh Damigo
Happy: Brandi Carlile
Sometime Around Midnight:The Airborne Toxic Event

Three biggest obsessions right now?  Exploring restaurants in San Diego (favorites so far: The Linkery, Urban Solace, Cucina Urbana).  Video chatting with my sister.  All the freckles popping out on my face.  And I'm anxiously awaiting my November Shambala Training.  That's four.  Oops.  I love me some obsessions...

What’s something you learned from each of the other ladies of Season 4?  I think the biggest lesson from this Season in general is that you can never predict what life may bring you and that's half the FUN.  I completely and utterly adored how each woman faced her own world with grace and openness.  In addition to the crazy changes -- Amanda's  precious new babe, Bri's lovely marriage and pregnancy, Katharine's move to Australia -- it was also Juliana's brave journey towards her true passions, Laura's acceptance of her strengths (and weaknesses), and Dee's blistering honesty about life as a seeker, student and free spirit that taught me the most this season.

What’s your Dream Job? Besides the one I have?  Hmmm, today it would be owner/chef at a farm-to-table neighborhood eatery that has live music, art exhibits, and random stranger dinners.

Dream Vacation? Honestly, I pretty much go on the vacations/travels I want to! I truly feel like the luckiest girl in the world that way...  Exhibit:  10 month trip around the world, Bali for 3 weeks, 6 month Road Trip through the States, 2+ weeks in the Greek Islands.  Trips on my "love to" list?  A Buenos Aires/Mendoza Wine Region food tour, New Zealand outdoor adventure craziness, an Alaska dog-sledding trip, trekking in Nepal, and living in Italy (southern, near Positano probably) for a year!

Dream Home? In general: a very green northwest contemporary/modern home with a small footprint, stellar view (cityscape? ocean? mountains?) and indoor/outdoor type spaces. A stage area for house concerts and call-the-cops type parties, a sweet white kitchen with turquoise and lime accents, small outbuildings (a girl studio  and a man cave and a guest house), a huge snuggly couch for movie watching, and a housekeeper/gardener!  I'm seriously digging this prefab home from Blu Home.

What’s currently turning you on?   The fact that it's 9:34 pm and I'm sitting on my deck, drinking a glass of Malbec, wearing a summer dress and hoodie, eating grilled rosemary beets and chicken with a homemade chipotle cherry bbq sauce, listening to above mentioned music mix and sharing with the entire intrawebs my answers to these questions.  Seriously, the love I have for this night gets me hot!  If only the Big Man would get home from Spotted Fox...

How are you going to change the world? By teaching women how to value their own happiness and strength.  In my mind, a world of fulfilled joyful women equals radical acts of goodness, widespread emotional and physical health, creative expression, equality, and core level compassion.


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Pixie Cuts, Bali, Saving the World, etc.

posted 25th July 2011    Written by: Dee    CATEGORY: All Posts, Dee, Season 4

This is when we throw around questions at each other in hopes that you can learn more about who we are, just before we wrap up. I hope that in the past six months you’ve come to understand something about the woman I am and the journey that I’m on. But for now…

What are you most proud of from the last 6 months? I’m proud of realizing that it’s okay to be me. Maybe I don’t have monumental changes going on; I’m not traveling the world, having a baby, getting married, or touring the country. All of these things are on my to-do list, sure, but what I’m doing right now is what I need to do right now. I’m being much better at thriving from day to day. Baby steps, people. I’m proud of releasing myself from so much pressure. I’m proud that I have begun to understand more about authenticity. I’m proud that I can check in with myself and know just what I need.

What is your favorite meal memory? A summer barbecue with all my dear friends, celebrating summer’s solstice with lemon beers, fresh tomatoes and corn, salads, burgers, and swell company. Also popsicles. And ice cream cones. And a stray raccoon for entertainment.

What’s the best piece of advice you have for someone struggling with a QLC? Own it. Understand that it sucks, and just like any other mess, it’s going to take work to organize. But it’s good, fulfilling, worthwhile work that you’re lucky to be doing. You’re lucky to love yourself so much that you care to make it right. And

What’s the best piece of advice someone has ever given you? “Having a bad day? Clean something.” –my mama

What’s your killer music mix? Aw man. I’m so all over the place with music but right now I’m digging Sarah Jarosz, Cults, and the Civil Wars. Mellow, penetrating, simple, raw.

Three biggest obsessions right now…blue eyeliner, triple shot iced lattes, and journaling.

What has happened in your time as a Stratejoy blogger that you would never have imagined for yourself in January? Getting real with my parents about the direction I want my life to take. Moving forward in that relationship has made all of my other progress so much richer.

What’s something you learned from each of the other ladies of Season 4? Be scared. Then do it anyway. That’s when the good stuff happens.

What’s your Dream Job? Dream Vacation? Dream Home? World-Travelin’ Documentary Filmmaker. Bali for a month or twelve. Cottage in the country with an English garden, pups, chickens, maybe a goat, definitely a horse, and a beautiful view.

What’s currently turning you on? Women with pixie cuts, men with beards, men with banjos, women with tattoos.

How are you going to change the world? By being extremely nice, one person at a time. Oh yeah, and fighting hard for gay and civil rights.


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Love, Gratitude, and Adventure

posted 24th July 2011    Written by: Juliana    CATEGORY: All Posts, Juliana, Season 4

I can’t believe how fast six months have flown by.  It seems like just a little while ago that I was jumping up and down while listening to a voicemail from Molly welcoming me to this season…and now, here I am, about to answer interview questions from my fellow Season 4 contributors. If I think about it too much, it’ll make my head spin a bit, so I’m just going to dive right in.

What are you most proud of from the last 6 months?

I’ve spent a LOT of time in the last few months getting to know myself better, and getting clearer about my values and goals. As a result, I am really proud of how my sense of self has grown and solidified. I have always seemed to be a fairly confident person, but it was often a “fake it ’til you make it” strategy. These days, I feel a sense of inner confidence that is stable and not dependent on the reactions of others. It’s that little seed of self-knowledge and self-assurance that enables me to stick with my goals even if they seem a little wacky to others.

What is your favorite meal memory?

Oh, man. This question is WAY too hard for a person like me to answer with one meal. I love  food. I mean, I LOVE food, and I love the whole experience of a meal, from the atmosphere to the appetizers to the after-dinner mints. So, I know I can’t pick one meal as my favorite. A particularly fabulous memory is from the first time I took G. to one of my favorite places, Asheville, NC. We met several of my dear friends for tapas at Zambra and had a long, lingering dinner sharing bites, laughter, and lots of wine. I don’t remember what we ate (though everything there is fabulous) as much as I remember feeling full of joy and satisfaction.

What’s the best piece of advice you have for someone struggling with a QLC?  Spend time with yourself when you’re going through it. Really think about what you need and want, and what makes you happy. If you aren’t sure about the “big stuff”, just spend time doing things that delight you and they will point the way.  Journaling helps a ton, too (and guided journaling is awesome if you don’t know what questions to ask yourself!)

Post a picture of your happy self over the last six months – Where were you, what were you doing and who were you with? This picture is from last weekend, when I was playing a house concert for some buddies in Virginia. I’m cuddling with my trusty guitar, Josephine. I put 3000 miles on my car in two weeks, playing shows and visiting friends all up and down the East Coast. My friend Steve took this shot before I played in his backyard to some people I usually only get to see once a year. I like this picture because it reminds me of the things that make me happiest.

What’s the best piece of advice someone has ever given you? Once, after some kids at school had said some mean things to me, my mom told me not to take it personally, and to “consider the source.”  I’ve carried those words with me in so many situations and I can’t even begin to tell you how often it pops into my head…and not just in negative situations. When someone is reacting to a situation in a way I can’t understand, I try to consider the source: What kind of person is this? Where are they coming from? What might their motivation be for reacting this way?  And a bonus tip – it works both ways. When I have a super emotional (and possibly irrational) reaction to something, I take a few minutes to consider my own motivation.

What’s your killer music mix? Give me some old New Orleans soul, some Motown, some Ray Charles and a dash of Bonnie Raitt and I will be shaking my butt around the house all day long.

Three biggest obsessions right now…Learning to cook nutritious stuff that my body likes, working on my first book, and re-watching every season of the X-Files.

What has happened in your time as a Stratejoy blogger that you would never have imagined for yourself in January?  I never imagined that I would spend a month in Nashville and love it. I was scared to take that step in my career for a long time, and even more scared that I’d hate the city once I spent time there, but now we’re talking about moving there one day. That’s something I couldn’t have predicted.

What’s something you learned from each of the other ladies of Season 4?

I think what I’ve learned from each of my fellow bloggers has to do with what I’ve watched them learn about themselves over these past few months…

Katharine:  Bold adventure is an incredible way to meet yourself.

Bri: Opening yourself up to love creates radical, beautiful changes.

Laura: Even someone who is capable of doing it all doesn’t have to do it all alone.

Amanda: Surrendering to the big stuff doesn’t mean giving up your identity.

Dee: Zest for life and joy are totally contagious and worth spreading around.

I’m humbled and honored to be in such awesome company.

What’s your Dream Job? Facilitator of creative inspiration, emotional catharsis, and uncontrollable giggles.

Dream Vacation? Following Anthony Bourdain around on some cultural and culinary adventures.

Dream Home? Lots of windows, views of the Blue Ridge, a big deck with a pool, an open space for entertaining, and one helluva kitchen.

What’s currently turning you on? The way my hubs supports my dreams and keeps pushing me to go for it. Rrrar.

How are you going to change the world? I hope I can change the world by inspiring people, one relationship at a time. I’d like to remind everyone I meet of their own creative force and their ability to use it.

[photo credit]

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Obsessions, Advice, and My Killer Music Mix

posted 22nd July 2011    Written by: Katharine    CATEGORY: All Posts, Inspiration, Katharine, Life Lesson, Season 4

It’s been an honor sharing the Stratejoy stage with the lovely ladies of Season 4 (and of course, Molly and Katie) and it’s super sad to see this season come to a close.  For my second to last post, it’s time to answer some questions!

What are you most proud of from the last six months?

I’m proud of having the courage to leave everything I knew and loved in America in order to find a way to live my best life.  Truthfully, I didn’t think I was strong enough to do this.  I was terrified of boarding that plane to Prague, but looking back on that moment now, it was the catalyst to get me to Australia.  In these last six months I’ve gained more courage and confidence than I ever thought I would.  I feel like I really am going to conquer the world some day.

What is your favorite meal memory?

This is a tough one because I love food way too much.  I think one of my favorite meal memories was last summer at my cousin’s cottage in the Finger Lakes.  I took two of my girlfriends with me and we sat out on the deck, watching the sunset, sipping on NY’s finest cold Riesling, and eating zweigles and grilled portobello mushrooms.  If you’ve never had a zweigle, you just don’t know.  I demand you click on that website and order a pack (or 12) right now.  It’s totally worth it, I promise.

What’s the best piece of advice you have for someone struggling with a QLC?

Embrace it with both arms and hold on tightly.  Allow yourself to feel the wave of emotions that come with the QLC because that’s one step towards conquering it.  Don’t be afraid to ask yourself those gut-wrenching questions and don’t be afraid to chase after your wildest dreams in pursuit of your own authentic happiness.  It’s the risks we don’t take that we regret the most.  But most importantly, know that whatever you’re going through, you are not alone in it.  You’ve got a tribe supporting you every step of the way!

Post a picture of your happy self – where were you, what were you doing, and who were you with?

One of my all-time favorite things to do in life is watch the sun set.  I know it sounds cheesy, but I find it so mesmerizing and peaceful.  The Boyfriend took me to a park in North Bondi one Sunday evening so I could get some snapshots of the sun setting over the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Skyline.  I’ve seen some amazing sunsets in my lifetime but watching that sun set over the entire city was truly spectacular.  It’s the simple things in life that make me smile.

What’s the best piece of advice someone has ever given you?

“Enjoy every moment of it.”  – JZ (my friend, not the rapper)

Honest, simple, and heart-felt.  It wasn’t until I got to South Korea when I started taking my friend’s advice and really enjoying my time abroad.  I opened my mind (and heart) to the world and all of it’s beauty, and it’s changed my life.

We forget how important it is to truly enjoy the moments that take our breath away, make us smile, and bring happiness in our lives.

In my case, ‘it’ was traveling abroad but maybe yours is a relationship, the decision to start over, or an upcoming vacation.  Whatever ‘it’ is, love it, learn from it, and appreciate the small bursts of joy.  Live for the moments that make you smile.

What’s your killer music mix?

“The Seed” – The Roots
“S&M” – Rihanna
“F*ck You” – Cee Lo Green (sorry, the clean version just doesn’t cut it)
“Float On” – Modest Mouse
“Runaway” – Maroon 5
“Rolling in the Deep” – Adele
“Fearless” – Colbie Caillat
“Shake Me Like a Monkey” – Dave Matthews Band
“Give Me Everything” – Pitbull

(don’t judge me based on my music selection)

Three biggest obsessions right now…

wearing skirts with knee-high boots (apparently I found my feminine side in Australia…)
playing iAssociate2 on my iPhone
sunsets over the Harbour bridge

What has happened in your time as a Stratejoy blogger that you would never have imagined for yourself in January?

Definitely landing in Australia.  This certainly wasn’t on my itinerary when I started this journey around the world, but because I was already in Asia, I knew I just had to come to Australia.  Now that I’m here, I can’t imagine living anywhere else.

What’s something you learned from each of the ladies of Season 4?

I’ve learned that even the most talented, beautiful, capable women can hit rock bottom and find a way to climb to the top with even more courage, confidence and determination than they had before.  These ladies are nothing short of inspiring and they all hold a special place in my heart.

What’s your Dream Job?  Dream Vacation?  Dream Home?

Dream Job:  owning my own restaurant, cafe, or Bed & Breakfast.

Dream Vacation:  sailing around Croatia and the Greek Isles.

Dream Home:  a nice, small home with a really awesome, brand new, state-of-the-art kitchen.  Oh, and a patio facing a body of water would be nice, too, so I could drink a glass of New York’s finest Riesling while watching the sun set.

What’s currently turning you on?

All of the male Australian accents.  #swoon.

How are you going to change the world?

By staying true to myself.  By living with passion and intention.  By listening more and talking less.  By believing that if you really want something in life, you will do whatever it takes to get it.  By encouraging Generation-Y and future generations to stop conforming to societies norms and start defining your own norms.  You don’t have to have it all figured out by age 30 and you don’t have to join Facebook just because everyone else did.

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Happiness, Bold Love, and a Husband

posted 21st July 2011    Written by: Bri    CATEGORY: Bri, Events, Inspiration, Job/Career/Work, Quarterlife Crisis, What I've Learned
Wow.  These past six months.  Wow.  There was no way I could fathom the changes coming when I started writing. I got happiness, bold love, and a husband (with a Baby on the way!). I’m so very grateful I got to share it here.  Every single comment and encouragement kept me calm through the chaos; thank you, thank you, thank you.

What are you most proud of from the last 6 months?
How Mr. A and I have handled the curve balls and life changes.  It would have been so easy to close our eyes and run into everything, but that is where the “Only Fools Rush In” cliche came from.  We spent so much time preparing ourselves and our relationship for the changes a baby will bring.  I will also always be incredibly proud of how Mr. A took the “I’m pregnant” news.  He was a rockstar and the most supportive guy I could have hoped for.  He’s a rock and I am so proud to call him my husband and baby daddy.
What is your favorite meal memory?
The night we got married my bestie and her husband treated us to the fanciest meal of my life,  Spruce in San Francisco.  The food was amazing, the service was impeccable, and we spent three hours laughing and enjoying ourselves. Our wedding party was small, my best friend and her husband were our only guests but I felt so incredible surrounded by love and friendship that night.  Starting off our marriage with so much friendship and laughter was priceless.

What’s the best piece of advice you have for someone struggling with a QLC?
Don’t do it alone.  Reach out.  Find a community (or a tribe) to help you out.  There is no shame in needing some help.  We all go through things, and maybe someone has been where you are and has the tools that will help you out.

Post a picture of your happy self over the last six months – Where were you, what were you doing and who were you with?
My picture is from breakfast the morning after Mr. A and I got married.  It was a crappy diner we fond after walking around starving for 45 minutes.  I love that Mr. A and I are glowing with our happiness. I mean, I feel happy looking at this picture. I also love that you can see Mr. A’s wedding band.

What’s the best piece of advice someone has ever given you?
My Grandpa told me once that every emotion comes from one of two places, fear or love.  You get to pick which drives you. (I pick love.)

What’s your killer music mix?
I’ve been in such a Country Music phase lately, but I am OBSESSED with Mat Kearney’s new single “Hey Mama”.  When I am walking from the train to my office every morning this song gets me super pumped.  (Bonus: The video is full of non-generic beautiful people) (Try watching the video and not wanting to clap along.  Real talk, yo.)

Three biggest obsessions right now…
1. Baby slings
2. My Drunk Kitchen
3. Ice Cream (What?! It’s summer and I’m pregnant!)

What has happened in your time as a Stratejoy blogger that you would never have imagined for yourself in January?
Lets see, from the time I wrote a post called “The Loneliness” I fell madly in love, got pregnant, and got married.  (No big deal or anything. Holy Life Changes Batman.)

What’s something you learned from each of the other ladies of Season 4?
Courage in the face of fear.  Every single one of us jumped into huge things this season and they all did it with such honesty, vulnerability, and courage.  You can do anything.  You can quit that job you hate. You can start your OWN kick ass company. You can face your fears of becoming a mama.  You can be a beautiful songbird.  You can move to another country and find yourself in love.  I have so much love and admiration for the women in this season.

What’s your Dream Job? Dream Vacation? Dream Home?
Dream Job: Freelancing from home.  Dream Vacation: Italy with Mr. A.  Dream Home: Anywhere with good schools with space for Baby Boy to run around.

What’s currently turning you on?
The 30 minutes every night Mr. A spends reading and singing to my belly. He is going to be such an amazing father that the thought of it is making me tear up as I write this.

How are you going to change the world?
I’m going to be fearless. I’m going to be a wife, mother, writer, risk-taker. I’m going to share the whole thing and hope that my story can inspire some other woman out there to be fearless too. Bold and fearless; this is what change is made of.

 

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