Category: Stratejoy the Biz

Confession: Moving Did Not Make Me Happy

posted 14th May 2010 Written by: Katie CATEGORY: Katie, Quarterlife Crisis, Season 2, Stratejoy the Biz, What I've Learned

Confessions, depression, happiness, moving, The Joy Equation

I’ve been moved into my new place for a little over a month now. I thought for sure this would be it; the end of my long battle with depression. Over the last few months, I did some intense soul searching and discovered some things that I wasn’t happy with in my life and made a commitment to change them. Number one on my list was my living conditions.

The opportunity to move in with two awesome roommates presented itself, and I jumped on it.

I pictured my move in day in my head a million times. It would be similar to Carrie walking into the apartment of her dreams with Mr. Big. (Shameless Sex and the City reference. I’ve been reliving the entire season on DVD courtesy of Netflix. And now I’m constantly making references, or pretending my life has a voice over like Carrie Bradshaw. “…And then, I made dinner. And then, I watched a sappy love flick. …and then I whipped out my rabbit, and thought, ‘is this what life has come to? Dinner, a Movie and Sex. Alone?’)

…moving on….

I pictured my move in day to be perfect. I’d walk into the house and all of my troubles, fears, and bad memories would disappear. We’d all sit around and play board games every night, and whenever I had a problem, I’d sit down and talk to my roommates and we’d find a solution. At the end, we’d hug it out while 90′s love ballads played in the background. And I’d live happily ever after.

My move in day came and I excitedly packed my things and moved. No one was home to welcome me, and no one helped me move. I did it alone. I’ve taken part in a lot of moves, and the majority have been big parties of people drinking beer and eating pizza. Then, sitting around a table playing cards.

That didn’t happen for me at all.

The days that followed my move in weren’t what I thought they’d be either. My roommates both work many hours, and I work from home, so for the most part I’m alone. Which, ideally may sound great but I’m literally in bed right before or after my roommates get home from work. We don’t play board games around the kitchen table.

I haven’t shared my problems with them yet.

I haven’t shared it with you guys over the last few weeks, but I’m going to now; I’ve been having… just a tough time. Several times people close to me have caught me staring off into space and said ”Katie, where are you? You look like you’re in your head.” They’re right. My mind is constantly going. Moving wasn’t enough to make me happy. I want more. I need more. I deserve more.

I need to make a confession right now. I never finished the Stratejoy program. I started it, did a decent amount of it, told Molly I wanted to blog on behalf of the clan of twenty and thirty somethings, and I just… stopped. I was in a happy place, and I stopped. You might not consider this a big deal, but I feel like I’ve been leading you all on. How many posts have I encouraged you all to do the program? How many times have I said it saved my life, literally? These claims aren’t lies, not in the least.

However, I never got the full benefit of the Joy Equation: A 30-Day Guide To Living Life On Purpose. Because, like most things, I didn’t finish it.

So, what does this have to do with my move and being miserable?

How I realized that I wanted to move was by making a list of things I wanted to change. As I said, Number one was moving. I did that, and while it was liberating and made a big difference, I stopped there. Soon, my “new house” wasn’t my “new house”. I’m not introduced as the “new roommate” anymore. I started my list, but stopped. I felt good for a moment and tried to live off of that life high forever instead of constantly creating new experiences.

It takes a lot of courage to start something, but it takes even more to keep on going with it.

Here and now, friends, family, people I haven’t met, I’m making a commitment. Two, actually.

Number One: I’m moving on to number two of my “Life Changes” list. “Save $1000 over 6 months by not going out as often.”

Number Two: I’m heading over to get another brand new Stratejoy plan today and I’m going to complete it, beginning to end. Can you do me a huge favor? Will you do it with me? I kind of like being held accountable, and if I know others are doing it too, it encourages me to stick with it. Kind of like running. Or streaking through the streets of Philadelphia.

Just kidding about the last part.

Kind of.

Come on. Will you do it with me? (Yes, Of Course! / No)

…I dare you to click ‘No.’

If you are doing this with me, leave me a little comment here, so I know who you are, and can have us T-shirts made with Molly’s face on them. Nothing says “I love you” like wearing someone’s face across your boobs.

At the very least, promise me that you’ll take the next step in something in your life right now. Maybe it’s your life list. Maybe it’s the next step in a home/apartment remodel. Maybe it’s the next chapter in the novel or memoir that you’re writing. Whatever it is, promise yourself that you’re going to move forward.

And when it doubt, remember to just take the next step.

Sometimes it’s a blind leap, but take it anyway.

*photo credit: aesum

Building a Tribe of Gutsy Girls

posted 10th May 2010 Written by: Molly Hoyne CATEGORY: Job/Career/Work, Molly, Quarterlife Crisis, Stratejoy the Biz

building a tribe, connections, juicy, passionate, Quarterlife Crisis, self-realization, soulful, Tribes

There are things I care about deeply. Passionately. With the full force of my existence. These are the things I try to practice on a daily basis. These are the things I write about. Read about. Study. Absorb. Shout out loud from the rooftop. (Or at least into the vortex of the intrawebs!)

These “things” consume my day, my life, my purpose.

So what are these magical “things”?

Honest Conversation between women that breaks past the surface level of compliments and networking. Conversations that push the boundary of the status quo “don’t admit weakness, keep smiling, nod your head and sip your cocktail” meet and greets. Connections between all sorts of women, forged through curiosity and empathy. I crave those conversations when we recognize that we all share so many of the same dreams, fears, shames, and small delights (regardless of our race, socioeconomic status, sexuality, education level, etc, etc). Stratejoy is based around the idea of facilitating those conversations for 20 and 30 something women both in person and online.

Self Realization. Webster’s Dictionary says that self-realization is the “fulfillment by oneself of the possibilities of one’s character or personality”. I think of it as the process of studying ourselves, our reactions, our self-talk, our strengths, and our weaknesses so that we are capable of fulfilling our possibilities. When we tackle our life as a creative journey, I know we are more likely to be “on target” and “moving forward” in a way that feels authentic and exciting. Self-realization is something that I try to teach, model and encourage through everything that I do.

Building a Tribe of gutsy girls going after life on their own terms. Juicy, soulful, just right lives of their own choosing. Finding happiness and purpose and success in ways that only they can create! I want to nurture this Tribe to support each other, to encourage one another, to push each other when necessary, and to cradle each other when gentleness is needed. I firmly believe we all crave connection. Company of people who “get us”. Inspiration from our peers.

As I strike out on my own to build a business, a life, a creative journey that is joyful, useful, fulfilling, full of passion, bolstered by faith, and personally meaningful — I want to be surrounded by others doing the same thing. You (Yes- YOU!) are one of the founding Tribe members. Thank you. If you haven’t officially introduced yourself, please, please say “Hey!” via the comments on this post. Tell me your story. Share where your path is taking you. What do you need? How can we help?

This is what keeps me awake at night –Building an incredibly passionate, powerful Tribe. My mind whirs with: More tribe members! More amazing women sharing their stories! More questions and suggestions and not feeling alone! More laughter! More sharing of tears! More sense of place! More amazing success stories! More freak flags flying! More conquering of the Quarterlife Crisis!

This force was the inspiration behind the Season 1 and Season 2 guest bloggers, my upcoming trips to/workshops in San Francisco and Washington DC, the new online communities I’m working on, and the big news I’m going to share on Thursday.

Big news? Oh, you hadn’t heard? A bunch of us have been working our little booties off on this launch, so get ready world. The Tribe is about to expand! In a really amazing, karma-fueled way.

If you’re not on the newsletter list- do it right now! Upper right hand corner. Don’t forget to confirm your subscription. You’re going to want in on this.

This Thursday is the big day!! Put it on your calendar, my lovelies.

I’m going to leave you with this little Seth Godin quote from his awesome book, Tribes, “I don’t think we have any choice. I think we have an obligation to change the rules, to raise the bar, to play a different game, and to play it better than anyone has any right to believe is possible.”

Hellz to the yah.

XOXO

p.s. The awesome pic is from our Belly, Body, Balance event last week! 45+ women rocking a wellness event focused on goodness for your core. Loved it. So nice meeting ya’ll and throwing this event with the awesome crew at Sassy Fit and Chef’n.

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

Personal Developement, Quarterlife Crisis, retreats, San Francisco Events, Washington DC Events, Women's empowerment, women's workshops

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!

Inspirational Books, Awesome Stuff and Business Resources

posted 15th March 2010 Written by: Molly Hoyne CATEGORY: All Posts, Molly, Stratejoy the Biz, Tips & Tools

20something personal development, awesome stuff, business, business resource, inspirational books, joie de vivre, living life, women entrepreneurs

I’ve been getting a lot of requests lately from clients, blog readers, other women entrepreneurs for “The List”. The list of inspirational books, awesome stuff and business recommendations that I can’t live without. Those tools and inspiration that allowed me to create Stratejoy, to live life on my terms, and to continue to do it– day after day…

You ask? You shall receive!

The “stuff” and the business resources are always available on my Store Tab. And I’m working on the sweet ass Amazon bookstore right now! But this post will have to suffice in the meantime…

Women entrepreneurs? Life Listers? Bloggers? Fellow Quarterlifers? Those wanting to rock their right life?

Take note. Whether you’re starting a new business or a new adventure, there’s something here for you!

Inspirational Books

Book I Turn To When I Need a Dose of Inspiration: This Time I Dance: Creating the Work You Love . Hot shot Harvard Lawyer turned writer talks about the ups AND the downs of creating a life of passion. I have this book sitting on my “personal alter” and return to it whenever I need a reminder of why I’m following my heart and building this community of gusty, real women going after a well lived life, instead of the easy route of “just getting a job. Warning: Cheesy Cover.

Book That Reminds Me What Life is Truly About: Slow is Beautiful: New Visions of Community, Leisure and Joie de Vivre. I can’t say it better than Amazon, “Slow is Beautiful analyzes the subtle consumer and political and corporate forces stamping the joy from our existence and provides a vision of a more fulfilling life through the rediscovery of caring community, unhurried leisure, and life-affirming joie de vivre.” One of my new favorites!

Book That Every Woman with Perfectionist Tendencies Should Read:
Perfect Girls, Starving Daughters: How the Quest for Perfection is Harming Young Women. An exploration of eating disorders and self-esteem in Gen Y, told by the fresh voice of 20something Courtney Martin. This book really opened my eyes to the damage women are doing to themselves (physically and emotionally) by placing so much emphasis on our appearances.

Book That Anyone Who Wants to be a Freelancer, Entrepreneur, Small Biz Owner Should Read RIGHT NOW:Escape from Cubicle Nation: From Corporate Prisoner to Thriving Entrepreneur. I’ve taken a workshop with Pam Slim, author and coach extradinare, and she is down-to-earth and inspiring- a combo I always try to pull off! I give this book to anyone in my workshops who show a flicker of interest in starting their own business someday because it was go useful to me in my journey from the corporate world to getting Stratejoy off the ground. It is a must read. Seriously.

Awesome Stuff: Things I LOVE and you will too.

I love Danielle LaPorte of White Hot Truth. She’s one of my authentic living heroes.

I love stationary, pretty paper, and sending personal notes/ letters via snail mail. I have an entire box of stickers, notecards, sparkly pens just waiting for the right occasion to pop up that requires the Unite States Postal Service.

So it’s pretty obvious that I would be ridiculously in love with Danielle’s notecards.

Uh huh. Hubba Hubba. Done and Done.

—————————————————————–

You know when you stumble across someone who simply radiates joy? Leonie Allen (or Goddess Leonie as she is known) is like that!

I had a hard time deciding which of her creative, soulful, inspiring Goddess offerings to share with you… So many goodies. Such color.

This Workbook & Planner is gorgeous. It is uplifting. It is super affordable.

It’s definitely not too late to make 2010 the best freakin’ year ever.

Get some.

Business Resources

This is what I use. I pay for each of these products because I think they’re the best. Tried, tested, true.

ONLINE MARKETING COMMUNITY

How do you build an online business, make money from your blog, or become an internet rockstar without selling out or giving in to the cheese? This smarty pants community of people who have done it and will tell you how to do it is ridiculously useful. Calls, forums, worksheets, real life stories. Gets my mojo going every time I visit! See you there?

SEO PLUGIN FOR WORDPRESS

I don’t know how to naturally “optimize” my posts. I didn’t even think about it before I got this sweet plug-in. I’m still a newbie- but I’m loving the ease of it! And the traffic!

AWESOME EBOOK ON HOW TO SELL YOUR EBOOK

But Molly, your eBook is free! Well, yes, the Gutsy Girl’s Guide to Success is free. But there’s more to come, and a stealth project launch that I’m working on, and this Awesome eBook is helping me put it all together. Naomi of IttyBiz and Dave of Rock Your Day are the bomb.

SHOPPING CART

HOSTING

And yes, dear hearts, these are all affiliate links. But I know, use, love and stand behind everything on this page! And guess what? Pretty soon I’m going to have affiliate program set up for some Stratejoy products. Want in? Email me!

p.s. I’m also working on post about inspirational Quarterlife bloggers and businesses! If that’s you (or someone you know!) leave on a comment on this post with your link so I can check it out! Woo Hoo!

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

getting engaged, lifestyle design, lifestyle design for women, stratejoy events

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:

Katie @katieblogs
Kelly @Kelly_Mitton
Heather @insearchofsquid
Nicole @nicoleisbetter

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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