Category: Events

Big Life Decisions: The Things That Shaped Me

posted 12th August 2010    Written by: Marian    CATEGORY: Events, Job/Career/Work, Life Lesson, Love/Relationships, Marian, Season 3, Travel, Travel/Adventure

During the final days of Season 2, Molly, Nicole, Heather and Katie asked each other some really kick ass questions. Questions I found myself journaling about later.

Molly wants us to reveal more of our life story and past. To do that I want to answer the question “What do you consider the most important event in your life so far?”

I can’t pretend this is an easy answer, and since no one actually asked me the question, I’m going to make my own rules and give you more than one event that shaped my big life.

The first “big life event” was my childhood sweetheart, K. We started dating when we were 13 and broke up at 20. Seven years of my life were devoted to this boy (we were hardly adults) and being in that relationship influenced how I grew up and how I see love now. For a very long time I defined myself based on that relationship. Obviously hindsight is 20/20 and it was horribly unhealthy, unyielding and unhappy to its core.

It’s been almost 4 years since that horrendous, gut-wrenching break-up and it’s funny how something that tore me up then has little importance on my life now. That said, it resulted in some serious commitment issues, an almost-too-fierce independence and more than a little cynicism. So if I want to learn more about who I am, I need to understand that one-third of that person was shaped by another.

The next big event was my move to London in 2007. After said break-up (of course – Eat, Pray, Love anyone?) I left the US on a whim and did a solo backpacking trip through Europe. After years of having to ask permission, I felt finally free. Free to live my life according to my own terms.

I took off to the Amalfi coast on a whim. I swam naked in the Adriatic. I drank until I couldn’t see (never again!) and got lost in the streets of Rome. I visited 7 countries in 30 days and learned how to say “Do you speak English?” in French, Italian, German and Croatian. It was, by far, the biggest adventure of my life. It was when I finally proved I was capable, enthusiastic, passionate and a more than a little kick ass.

When I finally arrived in London I created a life. I studied for a while, got my first apartment, supported myself and continued to travel – everywhere from Norway to Morocco. That Norway trip was also when I met Sam and, as you know, the rest of that story is sort of history.

Thirdly, the Facebook ads that helped me land a job? That small event I pulled out of my ass one night launched my current career and while it may not be perfect, I work for myself and I essentially owe those damn advertisements for showing me it’s possible. I’m also aware how much being a part of social media has changed my personality. I’m more outgoing, friendly, opinionated, and generally chock full of ideas for my future and the way that I want my life to turn out.

Being part of the Joy Equation and blogging here with you fine folk is giving me the opportunity to really evaluate myself so I can live my best life. I feel like explaining why that’s important is a little silly, because doesn’t everyone want to be happy? Doesn’t everyone want their best life? Doesn’t everyone want to live a life of authentic joy?

I’m not so sure. People have been living for millennia without practicing any sort of personal development, so that shit must just come with time and life experience, right? Right? But I’m looking at people my parent’s age – my grandparent’s age – and thinking, “I don’t want to be that.” I don’t want to look back on my life and not be extraordinarily happy. My memories of my travels and loves and new friendships are the memories that make me think, “Dude! Why shouldn’t I make my entire life one big, awesome, juicy memory? Why I am settling now?” But I have no idea where to start. I don’t know what to evaluate or how to define my life in a way that’s going to make me who I want to be.

What I do know is, I’ve always been honest to the point of (sometimes rude) bluntness, but I rarely practice that same “call it as I see it” with myself. I think if I could find a way to do that I could open up an entire world, an entire life of possibility.

So here’s to starting now.



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Big Dreams Coming True and Stratejoy Road Trip!!

posted 30th July 2010    Written by: Molly Hoyne    CATEGORY: Events, Inspiration, Job/Career/Work, Molly, Stratejoy the Biz, Travel/Adventure

In my own Joy Map (the cumulative page in the Joy Equation Course), circa 2008,  I wrote,  “Big Picture 10 Year Goals:  2 trips a year, get hitched and have babies, own a green home in Seattle with a garden, piano, and studio, have a vacation cabin in the middle of nowhere, be a Seattle 40 under 40 winner, fluent in Spanish, and roadtrip through the US writing a book about extraordinary women and get it published”.

Pretty large living for a girl who was broke, had a tiny business idea that she was scared to share, and didn’t know a damn thing about actually “making it happen”. I’m a dreamer….  What can I say?

Reality check midway through 2010.

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

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The Gutsy Girl’s Guide to Success- LIVE! And other sweet events.

posted 22nd March 2010    Written by: Molly Hoyne    CATEGORY: Events, Molly, Stratejoy the Biz

Woo Freakin’ Hoo!  Exciting news, Tribe.  Stratejoy is hitting the road.  I’m going to be leading some awesome workshops in San Francisco and Washington, DC this summer!  More details and online registration will be coming soon as we secure locations, panelists, and sponsors–but I did want to introduce you to the event leaders in each city!

Before I do that- there are a few other new events I want to make sure you’re aware of!

A Free Conference Call on Tuesday, March 30th!  RSVP on Facebook!

Another Life List Art Fest Luncheon! In Seattle on April 11th!

101 Things To DO Before You Go- Creating a Meaningful Life List was so fun last time, I thought we’d do it again!

Expect guided brainstorming, lots of examples, lunch, mimosas, and tons of art supplies to make an inspiring vision board or memory book to hold your list!

Click on the pic to get more details and register online.

This event is a great way to take some time for yourself to create, get crafty, and commit to checking off some excitement from you list!

Bring your mom, your sister, your significant other- Men are totally invited to this event!

Back to the Introductions…

These lovely ladies are motivated, authentic, and excited to bring you an empowering and inspiring event.  I’m thrilled to be working with both Carlie and Nicole to produce these workshops, and hopefully more in the future.

If you’re interested in contacting the gals about helping with the event in your city, you can reach them at carlie {at} stratejoy {com} or nicole {at} stratejoy {com}.  Carlie’s the gal about town in the Bay Area and Nicole is rockin’ in DC.

Without further ado, it’s my great pleasure to introduce…

Carlie Hanson

San Francisco Leader
Mission: Give more, Take less.

Professional Bio: Carlie Hanson is a woman of many talents. Barista in the morning, SEO strategist and marketer midday, event planner and writer by night, she moved to San Francisco in 2009 for adventure. Upon meeting other 20 somethings and encountering Quarterlife Crisis, she became an advocate for conquering (and loving!) the Quarterlife experience.  Find her on Twitter.

I Love: running, people, laughing, cooking, eating, British funky jazz music, Women’s Health magazine, university, london, british accents, reading social psychology, traveling, wine, adventuring, and entrepreneurship.

I Despise: lying, goodbyes, desk jobs, and jobs that make you refrain from talking.

What else? As a MN native, I graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2008. In 2009, I uprooted to SF for adventure, warmth, and new challenges (surfing? vineyard volunteer? yes!). In between balancing all my jobs, you can usually find me volunteering, running, getting lost, and hanging out with new SF friends. I’m currently taking a break from graduate school, but I can’t wait to get back and complete my masters in health communications.

Nicole Indelicato

Washington DC Leader
Mission:  Live a Transparent Authentic Open life by empowering others to seek balance, pursue passions, chase dreams, choose happiness and discover purpose.

Professional Bio: Nicole Indelicato is the Founder of Nicole Indelicato, LLC, a Success Coaching Practice that provides Gen Y athletes resources, tools, leadership and empowerment to live their best life on purpose.  You can find her on Twitter.

I Love: Being in nature, traveling the World, thinking BIG, baseball parks and players, red velvet cupcakes, paying it forward, inspiration, handbags, green tea, bookstores, rural country, interior design, camping, deep & meaningful conversations with my “soul sisters”.

I Despise: Pigeons, thinking small, judgment, New York City subway rats, pork, peas and walls that are not painted.

What Else? I was born in New York, grew up in New Jersey and attended in college in Connecticut (Go UCONN) – A true tri-stater.  I currently live in Arlington, VA outside of Washington, DC.  I am a philanthropist, baseball lover, world traveler, and adventure enthusiast.  I spend my daily energy on my companies and non-profit (aka my babies) and continue to brainstorm ways to set out and leave my legacy upon this world.

WRAP UP

How will you know when the registration is live?  When more details are up?  Make sure you’ve subscribed to our RSS feed and/or subscribed to the Jolts of Joy newsletter (upper right corner).

Interested in producing an event in your city?  Think you can gather 50 like-minded awesome Gen Y women for a day of awesomeness? Yes, you get paid!   Contact me.  I’m working on the fall and 2011 schedule!

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A Thousand Different Things, all of which You Need to Know! Seriously.

posted 8th January 2010    Written by: Molly Hoyne    CATEGORY: All Posts, Events, Love/Relationships, Molly, Stratejoy the Biz

As I sit down to write this post, there are a million thoughts running through my head…

Should I share news that about Season 2 Bloggers have been selected?  Tell you that I got engaged 3 minutes into 2010?  Shout my excitement about the awesome Release & Renew event Andrea Rae and I hosted Wednesday night?  Inform you that the winter schedule is up for Lifestyle Design?

See my problem?

So much going on, so little time.  It’s a mad house over here in a very good, engaging, slightly stressful, but soooo awesome way.

I’m going to tackle it all and promise you a more eloquent post on some subtle point of joyfulness next week.  Hope that’s a-okay with all you sugar pops.

With that, let’s rock.

A Round of Applause for the Season 2 Bloggers!

Competition was fierce this season and I’m incredible thrilled to say any one of the 16 applicants would have made an amazing Stratejoy Blogger.  But the lucky ladies who’ll be sharing their Quarterlife Crisis Adventures with us in Season 2 are:

I realize that doesn’t tell you a whole lot, but more fun and excitement to come in February when they go live!   Stalk, connect and congratulate them on Twitter!  In the meantime, savor each and every post from Season 1- we’ve got three weeks left to soak up Robyn, Kendra, Andrea and Marisa’s wisdom, humor and inspiration.

A Rock, A Proposal, and Absolutely No Wedding Plans Yet So Don’t Even Ask

It’s been a journey on the relationship front as many of you know.  Well, the journey continues!

The Big Man asked me to marry him just a few minutes into the New Year. I burst into tears, hugged him (which is hard to do considering he was kneeling and I was sitting in a chai with tiny dress on), forgot to say yes-instead saying, “Put it on!” (referring to the absolutely gorgoues ring of course), hugged him again, remembered to say, “Yes! Yes! Of course!” and drank champagne as the crowd at Volterra clapped.

That wasn’t supposed to be the proposal…

There’s an even longer story about how I came home a day early from Montana.  And coming home a day early messed up all sorts of well laid, romantic plans involving planes, serenades and surprises.

Oops.

Regardless, it’s still on. And I’m thrilled/excited/insert-exuberant-word-here to be marrying the Big Man, the best partner I can imagine and the love of my life.  My heart is truly happy. I won’t gob this up with lovey dovey goo, but our relationship over the last 4+ years has been one of love, adventure, growth, and laughter.

And I can’t wait for many, many more years to come.

It still feels surreal that I’m getting married. But it also feels very calm and right.  Almost like I’m easing into the life I am meant to live, with the man I’m meant to share it with.

Good stuff, all around.  And dude.  My ring!  I’m in love with it as well!

I might need to give it a name- which is a special process I save for only those inanimate objects that I really, REALLY love (ie Quincy, my trusty Subaru and Stella the purple couch from college).

p.s. Don’t ask me when we’re getting married.  I have no idea!  How am I supposed to know the answer to that question 8 days into being engaged?  Argh!!!

p.p.s. No, I am not wearing the ring on my right hand.  I took those silly pictures with my Mac and it must be like a mirror…  I keep trying to figure this out in my head (Why? How?), but finally gave up.  You give up too.  Definitely not a good use of your time!

Release and Renew: Clearing the Path for an Incredible 2010

What can I say?  52 women kicking the crap from 2009 to the curb and welcoming in an awesome 2010 by creating a guiding theme for themselves was INSANE.  In a totally good way.

The energy in the room was palpable.

We spend two hours in yoga clothes intensely writing in our journals, visualizing, tuning into our body’s energy, yelling like Tarzan, having a conversation with our future selves (some of whom had pink hair/wore kickin’ boots/told us to just relax/made us cry she was so peaceful), and starting the process of creating a powerful theme for the year ahead.

I’ll share a bit of the process, as well as my own theme next week. Want a starting point?  Here’s the post I wrote last year about my 2009 theme…

Andrea Rae of Alinga Bodywork was the perfect partner to present with!  She’s totally amazing with all the energy work that I’m interested in, but know nothing about.  I’ve been going to her for BodyTalk sessions (plus a little massage!) and just want to say:  Check it out.

Sound like intense evening?  It was.  But also inspiring. Check out some of the feedback!

Do you feel like you never know about these events?  Get thee on the email list (upper right corner) or join the Tribe on Facebook!  Don’t live in Seattle?  Don’t worry- I plan on hosting some free “telecalls” this year on all sorts of cool happiness and authenticity related topics!

Lifestyle Design Schedule is Up for January, February and March

Well, honestly, that’s about all I have to say on that! Details and Registration Here...

I encourage you to join us.  Again, if you’re not in Seattle there’s a homestudy version of the course available.  (And on that note- I’ve had some interest in doing a Lifestyle Design Course over the phone… If that sounds like something you might dig, will you please let me know so I can send you more details? Use the contact form if you don’t know my email!)

And why would you do any of this?  Because you know what? This is it.  This is Life.

Are you Living Yours?

Make this the year that you step up and take control of your own happiness.  That you start living each and every moment on your terms.  The year that you blossom, break through, relax into yourself, rock and roll, and a million other new ways of experiencing life.

The year that you allow the best version of yourself to shine.

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Doing it for Yourself

posted 28th September 2009    Written by: Robyn    CATEGORY: All Posts, Events, Quarterlife Crisis, Robyn, Season 1

Chicago TriI spent last Sunday morning watching the 2009 Chicago Triathlon.  My best friend, Julie, was cheering on her boyfriend, and I decided to tag along since I have always been interested in participating in the race.

Each year registration comes and goes, and I either make an excuse or push it to the back of my mind until it is too late.

Julie and I stood at the finish line, waiting for Brian to run by for nearly an hour.  We saw hundreds of people finish—all exhausted and completely thrilled with themselves and what they had just accomplished.  We watched with amazement as Brian crossed the finish line, and we pushed through crowds to meet him on the other side to congratulate him.

He was sweaty, exhausted… and completely glowing with life and fulfillment.

I walked away from downtown Chicago toward my condo in Lincoln Park—completely inspired. When I got home, I stretched and put on my running shoes (barely broken in since I got them for Christmas!) and went for a run.  Okay, it was a two mile run, and I had to stop in the middle to walk because I am so out of shape, but it was a start.

I think the moral of this story is to push yourself.

Don’t pass up opportunities that excite you because of your excuses. I’m busy/I’m tired/I’m out of shape/I don’t have anyone to do it with me/etc.  These are all excuses I have used to get out of lots of things—None of them legit and none of them that hold any real truth.

I am busy, but so is everyone else—busier than me most likely.  I’m not too busy to train, because I can always make time to walk to meet a friend instead of taking a cab.  I can always bike to work instead of taking the bus.  I can always go to bed earlier and wake up earlier to fit in a work out.  All these things would most definitely benefit me in the long run whether I actually ended up running the triathlon or not.

The worst of these excuses is: “I don’t have anyone to do it with me.”  Obviously it is easier to try something new and challenging with a friend so there’s that extra built-in support system to push you and motivate you and take that risk with you, but in the end, you can’t rely on someone else to always get you to where you want to be.

I think this is a lesson that was taught to me by my friend, Rich.  He wanted to travel Europe after college graduation.  He planned out the whole itinerary for his three-month journey, hoping that someone would come along.  He invited his roommates, his fraternity brothers and anyone he could think of so he wouldn’t have to go alone.  People gave him excuses or delayed their answer until it was too late for Rich to even book the flight he wanted.

He left a month later on his own and had the time of his life.  He ended up getting a work visa in London, finding a job as a bartender, and living abroad for six months, having the time of his life.  He met lifelong friends.  He sucked in the whole experience.  He realized he had put the trip on hold for nothing. If he had waited around for someone else to finally commit to traveling with him, he would have been relying on someone else to call his shots, I doubt he would have ever gotten to do what he really wanted to do.

I have an entire year ahead of me to prepare for next summer’s triathlon.

Of course, I’ll asked my friends if they want to join me and train with me, but in the end…it’s what I want, and I’m going to do it and take on the challenge myself either way.

robyn-bio1

photo credit: heyerin

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