*This post is an entry in the 1st Annual Stratejoy Essay Contest.  Each day throughout the month of February, we will be featuring one of the 20 finalists writing their answer to the question: How do you live life on your own terms? On February 29th, we will open the voting to YOU, our community, to select the winner of the $500 prize.*

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Let’s start with the terms I’d use to describe the way I lived life before my quarterlife liberation shake
down:

Drained (emotionally, physically, and spiritually). Anxious (tight chest, racing heart stuff). Risk averse
(safe seemed simpler). Numb (unfortunately, no romantic stud can fix that one). Itchy (hives). Sleepy
(insomnia).

Then I committed to a total life overhaul – due in large part to some serious health issues cramping my
style. But sick or not, I also understood that the grown-up, corporate world sandbox I was playing in was
robbing me of the life I wanted. And I was the only one holding myself back. No more pointing fingers.
No more victim *ish*. All that juicy, life is so.darn.amazing stuff I wanted was mine for the taking. I
simply had to want it bad enough.

Instead of living my life on busted, worn out, and broken down terms, I took the bull by the horns –
holy scary – and made the commitment to actually start LIVING again. Not reacting. Not wallowing. Not
worrying. There I went, baby stepping back into my power. Warning: This was not always pretty. There
were breakdowns, bad days, and plenty of times when I had to let the hard stuff come up in order to
face it and forgive it.

With a dynamic combo of homeopathy + organic veggies + meditation + monks + yoga + sunshine +
nature + ALONE time and much more, I redefined myself. And goodness gracious, it feels every bit as
unbelievable as I had imagined it would. Worth every teardrop and sacrifice, hands down.

Today, my words are more like radiant, hopeful, grounded, inspired, JOYful (and the one I worked the
hardest for, the one that I still can’t believe I get to own) HEALTHY. Yummy. {goodbye to you doctor’s
office waiting rooms}.

Along the way during this jazzy journey, I realized that there were two particular types of speed bumps
that kept popping up in multiple areas of my life, tempting me to veer off course and lose myself. These
bad boys were standing in between me and the life I wanted. Hold up?

First, I was still invested in other people’s opinions of me. Remedy: I’d think of that wowza Wayne Dyer
quote, “What you think of me is none of my business.” Then, I’d force myself to remember the feeling
I have when I’m in the presence of a powerful, confident and spiritually centered woman. She’s got IT
{the calm, living in the flow, abundance is mine, watch me shine stuff}. To a woman living her truth,
negativity, doubt and condescension make the tiniest ripple in the ocean of her life. She’s too busy
riding the waves of all the good stuff showing up.

Second, a part of me still wanted other people to tell me what to do. For a very long time I had
been in the habit of handing important decisions in my life over to other people. I took my parents
advice…because I trusted them. I followed through with the “rational” courses of actions my friends
suggested. I forgot what it was like to feel my way to an answer. Remedy: I stopped asking for advice,

and I started meditating. I learned that the still, small voice in my heart trumps all. I know that I already
know all the answers, and by constantly seeking them from others I’m less likely to get to know
myself.

Closing time…

It has been a long and windy road for me to truly embody the concept of living life on my own terms,
and it’s something that I am conscious of daily. ‘Tis true what they say: Old habits die hard. But new
habits help us all come alive again.

A VIP P.S. Don’t assume anyone thinks you’re crazy, foolish, or a dreamer for living life on your own
terms. You are inspiring far, far more people than you realize by simply recognizing that it’s time to
shake things up and out your authentic self.
Katie Lamie is a copywriter, social media enthusiast and soon-to-be hatha yoga teacher.

She’s a happily reformed worrier, fresh air fan and gluten-free vixen.

To hear more about her favorite things, like The Daily Love, kale salad and energy medicine, follow her on Twitter at Katyz15. She also blogs here!

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*This post is an entry in the 1st Annual Stratejoy Essay Contest.  Each day throughout the month of February, we will be featuring one of the 20 finalists writing their answer to the question: How do you live life on your own terms? On February 29th, we will open the voting to YOU, our community, to select the winner of the $500 prize.*

We have so so SO much awesome to share with you today. Buckle up, hot stuff!

PYOT Group Registration is OPEN!

When we want to do something “more” or “bigger” but are held back by fear of putting ourselves out there, we are going to be trapped in a cycle of unfulfilled desire.  When we care too much about what others might think of us, we’re not going to make the changes or take the risks that are necessary to put our brilliance out in the world or simply be comfortable in our own skin.  When we are waiting for a better, braver, more awesome version of our self to appear, we’re going to hold ourselves back from fully loving our current self.

I don’t want any of that to be part of your world.  I want to get you on board for 4 weeks of Fierce Love and Inner Confidence Training.

The Put Yourself Out There group is effective, inspiring and useful.  Strong bonds are shared. Fears are addressed in a safe and supportive way. Challenges are issued and rocked. I get truly amazing feedback from the women participating and it’s such a joy to witness some crazy big transformation.

There are only 10 spots left so get on it if you feel called. Groups start on the 6th and 8th.  I’m ecstatic to meet a new batch of women!

1st Annual Stratejoy Essay Contest Finalists Announced

We received 65 entries for the Stratejoy Essay Contest.  That is truly amazing, Tribe!

First and foremost, thank you ALL for entering. Your essays were bold, gutsy, revealing and kept us busy for the last few days. We loved it.  And couldn’t have been more impressed! The decision on which essays to choose was uber challenging, but we were able to narrow it down to the top 20.

In no particular order, nor the order they will be published, they are:
(we’ll be adding in the girls’ contact info as we get it confirmed with them!)

1. Eleni Zoe | @elenizoe | elenizoe.com

2. Sara Fry | @sarafrita | guidetobeingawesome.wordpress.com

3. Becky Shaw | @loveverydaylife | loveeverydaylife.com

4. Janah Valenzuela | @janlo3 | quarterlifecomeback.tumblr.com

5. Ashley Wilhite | @ashleyd | thatsuperawesomeblog.com

6. Katie Lamie | @katyz15 | the Daily Love.com

7. Jennifer Winter | @fearless_jenn |FearLess Jenn

8. Janet Brent |  @janetbrent  |   byjanet.net

9. Shannon Whitehead | @AllofUsRev | revolutionapparel.me

10. Tiffany Moore | @tiffanycmoore | tiffanymoore.net

11. Deanna Ogle | @deannaogle | Soul like a Spider

12. Christine Black | cybildisobedience.blogspot.com/

13. Nadine Karel

14. Shannon Curtin | @aboho | ablogofherown.wordpress.com

15. Deirdre Flynn | @deirdrewflynn | deirdreflynn.com

16. Maria Ross | @redslice | Red Slice

17. Monica McCarthy| @missmmccarthy | monicamccarthy.net

18. Hilary Jarmin | @hurststatus | hilaryjarman.com

19. Brandy Vigen | @brandyismagic   | It’s Like I’m Mmmagic!

20. Jesse Blayne | @jesseblayne | survivingnarcissism.com

The finalists’ essays will be featured throughout the month of February (one per day).

On Wednesday, February 29th, we will open the voting for the winner of the $500 prize.

How will the voting go down?: On February 29th, we’ll post the link to the voting ballot for all of the essays. Then, you can have your friends, family, co-workers and everyone head on over and vote for you! Each person can only vote once! So spread the word! Of course, you’ll also get tons of love from the Stratejoy Tribe who will be casting their votes for the best essay. Also, voting will only be open for 3 days! After we tally the votes, BOOM, we’ll announce the big winner and everyone will throw streamers and sparkles all over. Sound good?

CONGRATULATIONS to our finalists!

Season 6 Blogger Applications Now Being Accepted!

I’ve been getting lots of e-mails asking about whether there would be a Season 6 of QLC bloggers and when applications were being accepted.

Good news: YES, there will be a Season 6 and applications are being accepted NOW!

Just in case you miss this at the bottom: 
APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17th.  NO EXCEPTIONS.

WHY?

Here at Stratejoy we value Inspiration, Joy, Authenticity, Courage, Clarity, Camaraderie, and Honesty.  The ultimate vision is a practical and thriving “authentic happiness” movement that reaches woman worldwide. I aim 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.

That’s where you come in!  I want to share your story. I think it’s vital to share our tales of “hitting bottom” in our Quarterlife Crisis, as well as the journey we are on to put our own happiness first.  As a generation, we don’t want to be preached to… We want to recognize ourselves in the stories we read and feel a sense of connection.  We want to see that others go through the same struggles and be inspired by their success.

We don’t want to feel alone. That’s why I need you to share your journey!

HOW?

I’m looking for 4-7 women to guest blog once a week on Stratejoy for a minimum of 5 months. The posts will go live in March 2012, but the writing begins in February. I have had an amazing amount of interest thus far and are looking to find the right fit between diverse bloggers, a growing community, and reaching MORE WOMEN!

Position is unpaid, but super cool… You would be doing it out of love of Stratejoy or some need to document this part of your life. I would appreciate you, support you and give you access to all the tools, courses and inspiration I have available. Promise.

Desired

* Attitude. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have your own blog, but I need you to have sass! Or humor!  Or soul!  Or blistering intelligence! Or an amazing authenticity! Or an unique perspective on the world! Or some such combination of fabulousness…
* Desire to share your story in real time in order to inspire other woman without preaching or judging.
* Tech savy with WordPress or other blogging software.
* You’re between 20 and 35.  Yes, I realize I’m stretching the boundaries of “Quarterlife”.

Required

* Honesty. The struggles, the doubts, the celebrations and the breakthroughs.  This is not the place to pretend you’re perfect or create an online “brand”.  This is raw.
* Mad writing skills. Complete and utter love of the written word.
* One post per week with photo(s). Some will be posed questions/themes, most will just be personal updates from your life and require original thought from you.  Posts need to be completed ON TIME and with your best effort.  If you’re applying, you’re telling me you can commit to the workload. Please make sure you have time to write one post per week for the next 5 months.
* Posting with your first name, age, twitter account, city and photo. Last name NOT required.
* Conference call monthly (or at my discretion) with your proud mama (me) and the other bloggers.

Discouraged

* The reason you want to guest blog on Stratejoy is to promote your own business. It’s totally cool with me if you talk about your biz since it’s part of your life and your QLC, but that cannot be why you want to be a part of this project.
* You’re a freelance writer is who looking at this gig as a way to enhance your portfolio.  It will do that! But if that’s the only reason you’re here, it’s not the right fit.
* If you feel totally and radically finished with your Quarterlife Crisis. Good for you! But not good for sharing a real time journey…
* You are a Life Coach.  Sorry dolls, I’m running the show on this site! Can’t pretend otherwise. That said, I am always looking for collaborators/affiliates/business partners who want to get “Stratejoy” certified- so get in touch if you’re interested!

APPLY

I want to hear from you! If you’re interested in blogging for Stratejoy, please send the following information by Friday, February 17, 2012.  Don’t forget to follow all the directions!  (Seriously, I’m a bit of a stickler for directions…)

1. Name, day job, job-you-do-out-of-love-if-you-have-one, city, age, Twitter/Facebook links & metrics, website (if applicable)

2.  Phone number and best time to reach you.

3. Photo that expresses your most authentic self

4.  250 words on “Why I will make a Rockin’ Stratejoy Blogger”

5.  500-700 word introduction to you and your story. Great chance to tell me about your QLC…   Pretend you are writing your very first blog post!  Go back and read the first posts of Seasons 1-5 if you want to see some winning entries.

It would be most awesome if you created a word document or PDF with all the information so I can easily print and review. Please include your picture with the document, as I like to see your pretty face while I’m reading your application.  Hurrah! Also, if you applied for any previous season or entered the essay contest, it’s fine to apply for Season 6 as well – but I do need a new application from you!  Just let me know that you applied for a previous season.

Please know that each and every application is absolutely considered. Final bloggers are chosen at my discretion and based on several factors: writing skill, current situation, diversity, personality, love of Stratejoy and unique contribution.

Send all info to katie [at] stratejoy [dot] com.  Feel free to tweet Molly with questions.  She sucks at email, but rocks at Twitter.

Get writing ladies!

I am so ridiculously excited to read/memorize/adore your application and put together an amazing team for Season 6.

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*Deep Breath* Told you we have lots of awesome happening around here!  And I’m fully 22 weeks along, working hard at growing this little boy person and figuring out how to keep Stratejoy rolling as I take the summer off for momma leave.  After a rough first trimester (no nausea thank goodness, but a huge amount exhaustion and some pretty crazy mood swings) I’ve been feeling like myself again lately!

There’s been all sorts of growth behind the scenes with Team Stratejoy and it’s been incredible to have support of such cool chicks with so many new projects.

Speaking of new projects… THE FIERCE LOVE COURSE LAUNCHES FEBRUARY 22nd!!!  If you’re not signed up for the newsletter, you need to be.  Trust me.

I’m ridiculously excited to share this digital course with you, along with some of the launch goodies we have planned, like the ABC’s of Self-Love Blog Crawl and a Treasure Hunt! I’m such a believer in the transformational power of truly adoring yourself and this course will help you get there.  Seriously.  Let the countdown begin…

(This really professional pic was taken at 19 weeks- I’ll post a new one soon…)

Hope to be seeing your application in our inbox soon, sugar pop.

XOXO

So You Think You Can Write…

We’re very excited to announce a juicy opportunity for YOU not only to have your writing featured on the Stratejoy blog for the whole interwebs to see, but also to win some serious moola!  We’re talking $500, baby!

What would you do with $500? Decorate a room? Pay your rent? Donate it to charity? Take a class? Buy a smashing little black dress and flaunt it in a hot photo session? Here’s your chance to win some extra dough with a side of Stratejoy bragging rights…

Introducing: The 1st Annual Stratejoy Essay Contest!

We get to hear from 10-20 women each year on the Quarter Life Crisis blog (which we freakin’ love), but we want to hear from more of you. We see the heartfelt and loving comments you leave on the blog posts, the Facebook Wall and on Twitter. We know you have more to say, and we want to hear it!

If you’re spreading the word about this Contest, please use the hashtag #essaycontest and mention @stratejoy. Thank you darling!

Got questions? Let’s try to cover ‘em all.

**How do I enter the Stratejoy Essay Contest?**

We’re going to try and make this as simple as possible – we’ve even got your writer’s block covered.  The topic for the essay contest is:

“How do you live life on your own terms?”

Answer that question (in essay form) and send it in to katie (at) stratejoy (dot) com.

That’s it. You’re entered!  And yes, all entries need to address that question in some way, shape, or form.

**Is there a word limit?**

Try and keep your entry at 1,000 words or less.

**How do I know if you received my entry?**

Katie will shoot you a quick response letting you know she got your entry.

**I’m a Stratejoy affiliate / current QLC blogger / QLC blogger alumni /current client of Molly’s/ past client of Molly’s . Am I eligible to enter the essay contest?**

Yes. Yes. and Yes. This is open to any and all women of our tribe.

**What type of format should I send my entry in?**

Please send your essay contest entry in a Word Document. Please don’t send a PDF or any other non-editable format. We want to be sure we can copy and paste your text! Also, please use a readable font (like Times New Roman, Arial, etc.) While we love your creativity, sometimes hot pink/curliques/hidden picture essays are a little rough on our eyes.

**Can I include Pictures, Links, and Vidoes?**

Short answer?  No.  For this contest, we’re really looking for writing content — please concentrate all your love on the written words.  If you are chosen as a finalist, we’ll contact you for a short bio (where you can link it up baby!) as well as a picture for your post.

**Can I submit something that has been published somewhere else?**

Sorry gorgeous!  We are looking for original essays, created specifically for Stratejoy and for this contest.  If you’re not selected as a finalist, you’re welcome to publish your entry anywhere you like!  If you are a finalist, we ask that you allow the contest to reach it’s conclusion (when we announce the winner and hand over the cash!) before you republish your essay on your own site or blog.

**When is the deadline for entry?**

All eligible entries must be received by Wednesday, January 25th, 2011 at 11:30 PM PST. Any entries received after that will not be considered.

**How will the finalists/winner be chosen?**

After all of the entries are submitted by January 25th, 20 finalists will be chosen by the Stratejoy Team (Molly, Katie, and Nicole) based on a number of criteria — knocking our socks off, amazing stories, soul stirring truths, crystal clear writing, motivational mojo, and  adherence to all rules of submission.

Each of those finalists’ essays will be featured (one per day) through the month of February and we’ll be spreading the word far and wide.  We want to show off our talented Tribe!  At the end of February, we’ll open the public voting for one week and one week only. The grand-prize-money-maker $500 winner will be chosen by the intrawebs based on highest number of votes, not by our Team.

**How will the voting happen?**

On February 29th, we’ll post the link to the voting ballot for all of the essays. Then, you can have your friends, family, co-workers and everyone head on over and vote for you! Each person can only vote once! So spread the word! Of course, you’ll also get tons of love from the Stratejoy Tribe who will be casting their votes for the best essay. Also, voting will only be open for 3 days! After we tally the votes, BOOM, we’ll announce the big winner and everyone will throw streamers and sparkles all over. Sound good?

**If I’m a finalist, how do I get people to vote for my essay?**

Blog about it.  Tweet about it.  Shout it from the rooftops. We’ll give the specific details on HOW to vote once all of the finalists’ posts have been featured.  Feel free to start rallying your troops early. More Love = More Votes!

**When will the winner be announced and what will they win?**

The winner of the Essay Contest will be announced on or around March 2nd, 2012. (Or as soon as we tally those votes!) You’ll not only win some serious bragging rights and congrats from us via Social Media Land, but you’ll also be the sole recipient of the $500 Grand Prize!  And Molly will probably call you to squeal in excitement…

Any additional questions? Shoot Katie an e-mail and she’ll gladly answer them for you. (katie (at) stratejoy (dot) com).

Remember, the deadline for entry is January 25th (2 weeks!).

Molly Mahar is the founder of Stratejoy, a positive corner of the Internet that provides thousands of women the tools, strategies and camaraderie to lead authentically joyful lives. She is a full-time coach, facilitator and creator of the online Joy Equation Course , Joy Juice Prompts, and Create Your Magical Year Kit.  A dynamic speaker, Molly has lead workshops for lululemon, The US Army, Ladies who Launch, The Junior League, and CRAVE Business.  She helps women live life on their own terms, celebrate their worth, and change the world through individual fulfillment.  With enthusiasm! And action!  Molly adores any excuse to travel, belt 80′s tunes, drink red wine, and discuss the meaning of life. Oh, and she was just named to ProBlogger’s Top 20 Bloggers to Watch in 2012 and will be speaking at SXSW Interactive Conference this March. Wahoo!

This post is long overdue, but it’s no less important now than it was a week ago when I wanted to post it. For those of you who don’t know, I’m Katie, and I’m the Communications *slash* Community Manager of Stratejoy. Although, I’m researching new cute titles like “Happiness Advocate” and things of the like.

Anyway, this is totally not about me, but I do have the wonderful privilege to introduce you to a special group of gorgeous girls who have been doing extreme behind-the-scene magic for Stratejoy. Not only are they working to make current products and designs more functional and fun, but they’re diving head first with Molly, creating new products too.

Something I’ve learned over the last year of working with Molly is that running a business isn’t easy. While Molly has done a spectacular job running the ship herself, sometimes you need someone to be your lookout while you take the wheel and steer. Or, in this case, five someones.

Those lovely faces up there are  Nicole, Michelle, Kahea, Morgan and Whitney. They are Team Stratejoy. They’ve been “officially” on the Team for a few months now, but we’ve all been busy little bees trying to get some super cool stuff ready to go for your guys.

You can learn tons more about these ladies right here.  

Sidenote: Today is the. last. day. to sign up for the Council: Holiday Edition. It’s officially LIVE right now,  but if you really quick signup, we’ll get you access to the Facebook group immediately and you can dive right on in and join us as we wave goodbye to 2011, and welcome 2012 with a new outlook and kick-ass attitude. This is it – This is your year, love. Let’s make sure of it. 

Last spring I got to know 40+ of you through a little party we called The Council*.  Guess what?  It’s back, even better than last time!

I’m not going to put out a huge pitch about the Council or spend a lot of time trying to sell you on this, because it’s not that kind of thing.  If it’s for you – amazing!  I can’t wait to get to know some of you on a more personal level- to interact with you on more day-to-day basis for 21 solid, rockin’ days while we wrap up 2011 and starting dreaming and scheming for 2012.

*And yes, if you did The Council in the spring, you can totally do this one!  Brand new material and even some new surprises!

The Stratejoy Council

council: An group of persons called together for consultation, deliberation, or discussion.

Yes! Our Council will be addressing the juiciest issues that come up during the end of the year and the Holidays in an inspiring and useful way.  It will be a safe place for learning, sharing, and growing. With typical Stratejoy moxie, energy, and honesty of course!

What does The Council include?

**Three 60 minute Training Teleseminars on Tuesdays at 5:30 PST, 6:30 MST, 7:30 CST, 8:30 EST. The calls will be recorded for those of you who can’t make the live calls & still want to be involved.

• November 29th: Wrapping Up 2011 So You Can Learn and Let Go for a Fresh New Year
• December 6th: Dreaming & Scheming & Plotting & Planning for a Magical 2012
• December 13th: Creating a Meaningful Action Plan Tracker (complete with miniCelebrations, accountability ideas, and gorgeous visual reminders)

**Follow-up Challenges & Exercises To Be Completed During our Time Apart. No more than 2 hours a week of challenges, ’cause we’re all busy women.  I’m even making art filled worksheets for you to  savor 2011, set intentions for 2012, and really plot out the kind of year you’re craving.

**A Secret Facebook Community where the Council can gather to report on the challenges, share roadblocks, and celebrate success together. This is a really fun part of our weeks together! It’s where we’ll connect with each other on a personal basis and offer support, laughter, and stories of our own experiences.  The Group Page will go live on November 28th and end on December 19th.  And yes, I will be ACTIVELY involved in the page.  (And the even bigger question: Yes, this means we’ll get to be Facebook Friends and you can stalk all my old wedding, backpacking, drinking night out pictures.  Don’t judge me, okay?!)

**Loads of Love to your Inbox.  You’ll get an email on each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the council with some visual inspiration and a 30 minute audio recording interview with a Gutsy Girl about how she approaches goal setting/resolutions/manifesting/big dreaming.   9 sweet emails + 6 motivating interviews to keep your energy up, provide some accountability, and help you stay grounded during the pre-Holiday craze.

Who will I be interviewing?   Jenny Blake.  Nicole Antoinette.  Kate Northrup.  Kyla Roma.  Chelsea of Chelsea Talks Smack. Alexandra Franzen.  Ev’Yan.  And then that’s just me in dark sunglasses filling a empty spot in the collage.  I’m the one doing the interviewing…

REGISTRATION

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED FOR THIS ROUND OF THE COUNCIL. That said, keep your eyes peeled for a New Years Package to get your hands on the recordings & worksheets!

Investment: Because this Council is going to require a significant amount of my time, I can’t offer it for free.  I thought about it, but it just wouldn’t make sense! But I can offer it at the most affordable option possible as a huge THANK YOU for being part of the Tribe.

It’s $49 for everything.  I hope that price makes you happy!! I truly hope it’s something you want to do for YOU and for an ushering in an amazing 2012.

When you sign up for your course, you’ll get an receipt from PayPal telling you that you’re all set.  I’ll be sending out the welcome email with instructions for the calls and more details on Monday the 28th. In the meantime — after you register, friend me on Facebook so I can invite you to the secret group!  If you need anything before the 28th, just reach out sugar.

Let me know you’re joining us — Ping me on Twitter and use the hashtag #joycouncil!  We can meet each other there while we wait for the 28th to arrive.

QUESTIONS?  Comment away!

XOXO

If you don’t feel like watching, here’s the very short version of what I say…

Last Thursday’s post opened up very candid conversation about so many different topics: children with disabilities and special needs, the value of a human life, pregnancy, infertility, abortion, adoption, genetic testing, ablelism… Talk about a can of worms! So many strong feelings, but in the midst of the madness there is a lot to be learned about our own choices, language, and the way we treat others online.

I do not believe that by publishing this post Stratejoy is giving implicit “approval” of ANYTHING, except the freedom for each of us to make our own decisions and hard calls. That said, there was absolutely a level of editing that should have been done at my level to make sure the language and tone was not hurtful or discriminatory. I failed to do that and for that, I apologize to you all. Truly.

I can tell you honestly as someone who would never imagine others would accuse her of being anything but loving, accepting, and supportive, I really had to examine my own role in this.  I learned a whole hell of a lot from both this experience and many of the thoughtful comments.

Stratejoy is a community that respects different opinions and is a tool for each one of us to discover OUR OWN TRUTHS.  It’s a platform for my bloggers and clients to make their own decisions based on their own situation, level of knowledge and opinion. That is the kind of joyful living I’m in support of — YOUR own personal version. I’m a facilitator, coach, and teacher; not someone casting judgement.

So what good came of this post? I know that many conversations were had offline between partners, mothers, and friends about ablelism, the choices they would make in a pregnancy, and the power of our words to hurt. They were brought to light because of the intensity of the online response– we were all forced to sort out our opinions.

Thank you for those of you who shared your growth, respectful disagreement, knowledge and experience, and very personal stories and choices with me.

YOU are acknowledged, loved and respected.

XOXO

Molly

There is no other point to this post except to say that “Glee Season 3 starts tonight!”   Yaaaaaaayyyyyyyy!  I wish I was obsessed with something that more hip, but alas, it’s Glee all the way for me…

To celebrate — I’m offering the Joy Juice Journaling Prompts at 50% off.  Instead of $38 they are just $19! For ONE DAY ONLY!  This gleeful offer is good starting *NOW* until 8 am PST on Wednesday September 21st. After that, it all goes back to normal. Why?  Honestly- it just feels like such a joyous day!  I wanted to share that with YOU!  Glitterbombs!  Slushies! Quinn with Pink Hair!

Click Here to Purchase the Joy Juice

I’m so excited. It’s slightly embarrassing to admit, but there is nothing like a good episode of underdogs singing and dancing to light me up.  I will admit — I’m a total Gleek.  I even saw the 3D movie!  And watched the Glee Project!

Enjoy the Juice!  And the premier of Glee Season 3!

XOXO

Molly

p.s  I definitely feel like I’m defying gravity today!  I do not have cable, so I will faithfully avoid Twitter and Facebook tonight, because I’ll need to watch in on Hulu tomorrow.

p.p.s. Don’t stop believing in yourself, babe.  You can share your true colors with me anytime.  And if you’re a loser like me, we’ve got this amazing freedom to light up the world on our own terms.

p.p.p.s.  I promise to reign in my exclamation points after today… (!)

p.p.p.s.  There are 4 spots left in Monday’s Fierce Love and Inner Confidence Training Group.  Registration closes tomorrow, so if you want in, now is the time.

I felt the support immediately after Molly posted the video me winning the Life Coaching Scholarship – messages and tweets immediately were sent my way with kind words of congratulations from the tribe – and that was only the beginning…

Hello tribe, I’m Ashley, and I am proud to say that I am the first ever Stratejoy Scholarship recipient.  Now that my coaching from Molly is complete, she wanted me to share a bit of the experience with the tribe (and I, of course, jumped at the chance).

When I filled out the application, I was probably the most authentic version of myself I had been up to that point.  Sure, I had started (and re-started) the Joy Equation several times and I had in my head that there were things I needed to work on but I felt overwhelmed and didn’t know where to start.  I had tried to talk to my boyfriend and Mom about things I wanted to change, but didn’t always feel I was getting the most objective advice because they are so close to me and ultimately affected by my life.

I thought I would give the Scholarship a shot, and I have been thankful every day since that I did.

My shift during my time with Molly may not be as eventful as the Season 4 bloggers – I didn’t get married or plan a wedding or have a baby or travel the world – and before, I probably would have described myself as ‘boring.’  My shift was similar, though, in that I learned to face things head on, own my feelings and make big plans. 

In order to do that I had some cleaning up I had to do…

One of the scariest things I have ever done was the hurdle that I tackled with Molly in dealing with men from my past: moving on from deceptiveness of my adoptive father and releasing the anger toward my ex-boyfriend I moved for.  Once I got rid of those cobwebs from my mind I finally had the clear heart to focus on everything else.  I spent years moving on without really dealing with the past; I always told myself I wasn’t running away from things but was running toward things.  Either way, I was running instead of confronting and coping and healing, and it is the latter that has made all of the difference.

The running doesn’t stop there, though, as I do in fact identify myself as a runner.  I started my career as a freelance fitness writer about a year-and-a-half ago after an internship I had in college turned into a Regional Editor position.  It all kind of happened by accident, but then again, that is how most of the best things in life come about.  I was researching and writing about all of these amazing fitness activities but had yet to truly embrace the lifestyle.  I have gotten to try things like women’s boxing, a boot camp, barre classes and much more for articles I have written, but it is running that has stolen my heart.

I consider my running group – Rogue Running – my second home in Austin.

I discovered Rogue while writing an article about them and signed up shortly thereafter to train for a half marathon (at the time, I had only ever run a 5K).  I ran my first half marathon this past April, and though I am taking the summer off to stay out of the Texas heat, I start training again this September – this time for two half marathons that are a few weeks apart.

My running has impacted my fitness writing in a way I didn’t expect.  I knew it would help me understand the lifestyle and dedication of athletes, sure, but I had no idea that it would ignite this passion that I was previously lacking.  I spent time as a local Race Ambassador for my last half marathon and, with Molly’s encouragement, I am working with a local running store to start up a similar program to build community at the store.  I’m also developing my personal brand as a freelance writer with the help of Brandkit (owned by my wonderful friend Andrea, who you all may remember from Season One).

Even though a lot of these things were already in the works, Molly gave me the extra push to really get them off the ground.

Stratejoy has given me so much – from the Joy Equation to the Scholarship to my friendship with Andrea (I emailed her after visiting her Season One posts and we hit it off immediately) – and it has also given me a new-found feeling of authenticity.  I used to be the girl who apologized for everything and now I own my feelings and actions.  I used to carry around so much anger from the past and now I am the girl who is happily living in the present (and living it with my boyfriend).  I used to be the girl who only saw the negative things in Austin and now, though I do miss my friends and family in California, I am finding things I love about the city and have committed to be here for at least the next few years. 

Basically, I used to be someone who got in her own way instead of embracing change and opportunity and just trusting that I had what I needed to truly live a life I loved.

I may not have all of the pieces of the puzzle in place yet, but I am well on my way, and I have learned that the journey is making all the difference.

I know some of you we’re wondering, “Did I miss applications?”  Nope!  This is the official call for Season 5! This is your chance to write about your personal journey for 5 months, September through January. We’re doing a slightly shorter season to make for some cool things in August and in February…

What’s happening in August?  A little experiment I’m calling “Adventures in Flourishing”.  I’m taking over the blog for an entire month to share a bunch of new ideas about joy/leadership/flourishing/spirituality with you!  I’m a little scared about it to tell you the truth, but I hope you’ll love it and really learn some practical ways to live more joyfully day-to-day.

Enough about me already, this is about you!  If you’re interested in building our Stratejoy community by sharing your personal journey as a 20/30 something woman and are currently in the midst of some sort of Quarterlife Crisis, then this opportunity is for YOU!

Wahoo!  Read on, sugar pop.

Just in case you miss this at the bottom:
APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY FRIDAY, AUGUST 12th.  NO EXCEPTIONS.

WHY?

Here at Stratejoy we value Inspiration, Joy, Authenticity, Courage, Clarity, Camaraderie, and Honesty.  The ultimate vision is a practical and thriving “authentic happiness” movement that reaches woman worldwide. I want 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.

That’s where you come in!  I want to share your story. I think it’s vital to share our tales of “hitting bottom” in our Quarterlife Crisis, as well as the journey we are on to put our own happiness first.  As a generation, we don’t want to be preached to… We want to recognize ourselves in the stories we read and feel a sense of connection.  We want to see that others go through the same struggles and be inspired by their success.

We don’t want to feel alone. That’s why I need you to share your journey!

HOW?

I am looking for 3-6 women to guest blog once a week on Stratejoy for a minimum of 5 months. The posts will go live in September 2011, but the writing begins in August. I have had an amazing amount of interest thus far and are looking to find the right fit between diverse bloggers, a growing community, and reaching MORE WOMEN!

Position is unpaid, but super cool… You would be doing it out of love of Stratejoy or some need to document this part of your life. I would appreciate you, support you and give you access to all the tools, courses and inspiration I have available. Promise.

Desired

* Attitude. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have your own blog, but I need you to have sass! Or humor!  Or soul!  Or blistering intelligence! Or an amazing authenticity! Or an unique perspective on the world! Or some such combination of fabulousness…
* Desire to share your story in real time in order to inspire other woman without preaching or judging.
* Tech savy with WordPress or other blogging software.

Required

* Honesty. The struggles, the doubts, the celebrations and the breakthroughs.  This is not the place to pretend you’re perfect or create an online “brand”.  This is raw.
* Mad writing skills. Complete and utter love of the written word.
* One post per week with photo(s). Some will be posed questions/themes, most will just be personal updates from your life and require original thought from you.  Posts need to be completed ON TIME and with your best effort.  If you’re applying, you’re telling me you can commit to the workload. Please make sure you have time to write one post per week for the next 5 months.
* Posting with your first name, age, twitter account, city and photo. Last name NOT required.
* Conference call monthly (or at my discretion) with your proud mama (me) and the other bloggers.

Discouraged

* The reason you want to guest blog on Stratejoy is to promote your own business. It’s totally cool with me if you talk about your biz since it’s part of your life and your QLC, but that cannot be why you want to be a part of this project.
* You’re a freelance writer is who looking at this gig as a way to enhance your portfolio.  It will do that! But if that’s the only reason you’re here, it’s not the right fit.
*If you feel totally and radically finished with your QLC. Good for you! But not good for sharing a real time journey…
*You are a Coach.  Sorry dolls, I’m running the show on this site! Can’t pretend otherwise. That said, I am always looking for collaborators/affiliates/business partners who want to get “Stratejoy” certified- so get in touch if you’re interested!

APPLY

I want to hear from you! If you’re interested in blogging for Stratejoy, please send the following information by Friday, August 12, 2011.  Don’t forget to follow all the directions!

1. Name, day job, job-you-do-out-of-love-if-you-have-one, city, age, Twitter/Facebook links & metrics, website (if applicable)

2.  Phone number and best time to reach you.

3. Photo that expresses your most authentic self

4.  250 words on “Why I will make a Rockin’ Stratejoy Blogger”

5.  500 word introduction to you and your story. Great chance to tell me about your QLC…   Pretend you are writing your very first blog post!  Go back and read the first posts of Seasons 1-4 if you want to see some winning entries.

It would be most awesome if you created a word document or PDF with all the information so I can easily print and review. Hurrah! Also, if you applied for Season 1 or 2 or 3 or 4, it’s fine to apply for Season 5– but I do need a new application from you! Just let me know that you applied for a previous season.

Please know that each application is absolutely considered. Final bloggers are chosen at my discretion and based on several factors: writing skill, current situation, diversity, personality, love of Stratejoy and unique contribution.

Send all info to our new Community Manager Katie Colihan. Email applications to katie [@] stratejoy [.] com by the deadline.

<————————- This is Katie.  She loves answering your questions!

I’d like to take a quick moment to thank Katie (of Season 2 fame) for being the most amazing Editor and Big Sister to the bloggers of Seasons 3 & 4.  She’s been an incredible volunteer for the past year and I’m thrilled to officially make her the first paid employee at Stratejoy.  Eeeeekkk!  Thrilling! We’ve got some great things in store for you.

Get writing ladies!

I am so ridiculously excited to read/memorize/adore your application and put together an amazing team for Season 5.

Love,

p.s.  Not interested in blogging, but interested in a volunteer position?  Starting in the fall, I’m putting together a tiny virtual team and looking for women to contribute in the following areas…  Graphic Design, Public Relations, and Website/SEO Madness.  Hit me up if you’d like more information! And it’s seriously happening this time.

p.p.s.  Registration for the 10 week group coaching action programs is OPEN and FILLING FAST!  Is it a fit for you?  Find out Now!

Dear Stratejoy Tribe,

It’s just after noon on a Saturday. I just finished a warm, delicious, oceanside yoga class. My mind is clear, my heart open, my feet grounded, my belly hungry, and my shoulders hot from the sun. As I try to preserve the peace for a little while, this is the perfect moment in which to thank you. This is the last time we’ll meet here, at least for a while, and I’m confident the timing is right. Looking back over the last six months, I realize I’ve grown a lot in special, subtle ways.

I abandoned my goal of running a half marathon and instead ran a 10 km with one of my favorite people in the world. We didn’t train properly and we weren’t prepared, but we had fun, felt alive and congratulated ourselves for getting out of bed and showing up no matter what. It was a day to remember.

I gained more clarity about my personal values than I could have imagined. In particular, acknowledging my need for courage and vitality has allowed me to understand myself so much better.

I created wedding plans that felt amazingly right for Hunny and I, and made no apologies for discounting everyone else’s expectations. Knowing I could share my thoughts with you, and that you would totally relate, gave me the conviction I needed. Knowing that you, too, try to listen to your heart above all else allowed me to fully trust mine.

I had the guts to create a family budget and admit my weird money obsessions. In doing so, my anxiety in this area has drastically decreased. Again, your support helped me get there.

I laid a lot of honest expectations, desires and hesitations on the line for my business partners. I found renewed motivation to exercise regularly. I let myself hibernate when I was feeling emotionally drained. I did some serious releasing, through my posts on marriage, fulfillment, love, and obsessions with more. I discovered that alone time is one of the most rejuvenating inputs I can give myself and I started giving myself more of it.

Perhaps most exciting is that I progressed to a place where I’m ready to explore new ideas for expressing my creativity, collecting and sharing my thoughts, and growing as a business owner.

Over these last six months, my accountability to you has inspired me to acknowledge things, seek resolutions, and dig for meaning. For that, I am very, very grateful. I can only hope that you’ve benefitted from reading some of my posts, as I have from writing them. I hope that I sparked some ideas, some reflection, some Mmm Hmms, and some Ah Has.

There’s no question in my mind, my discovery of Stratejoy over a year ago was a tipping point. Feeling entrenched in this world now, I can’t imagine it any other way. From season 2′s Nicole Antoinette and Heather Rae, to season 3′s Doniree, Marian and Nikki – these women and so many others continue to inspire me with their realness. From the things I learned in the Joy Equation, to the growth, connection and friendship I gained from Get It Off the Ground. Not to mention, the countless people, blogs, products, and businesses all of this has led me to discover.

Being a part of this tribe has meant belonging a whole new world – one where looking inward, having balls, speaking up, and admitting we’re scared is par for the course. That world has brought me comfort, joy, inspiration, knowledge, and tools for self lovin’ and honest livin’. Its like one big authenticity orgy. 

As I sign off for the last time, I leave you with this final thought: feelings of uncertainty and restlessness are loaded with potential, and they deserve to be honoured, rather than buried.

For most of us, our thirst for loving, leading and listening will never be fully quenched. It is part of who we are. It’s a defining characteristic of our generation. Which is precisely why I’ll continue to do my best to own that shit and will always be cheering you on as you do the same. So please, keep in touch (@mynameisbigL).

With love, admiration and gratitude,
Big L  -xo

{Photo credit}