First alone trip...

I am a stay-at-home mom.  I have been living that life for 8 years now! (yikes).  I could not imagine the day I would go back to work.  But, two years ago I made a decision which surprised me.  I signed up to be an Independent Consultant for Thirty-One Gifts.  I loved the products and thought, I can do this a little bit.

Two years later and I am LOVING it still.  Hubby and I made the decision months ago that we would make it work to have me go to the National Conference at the beginning of August.  Now, this was a hard decision.  Hubby and I have left the kids for a weekend or so for little trips.  The kids have gone to grandparent's houses for weekends.  But, I have never left them.  Hubby has never been "in charge" for more than breakfast - dinner.  So...it was a big deal to think about going somewhere, by myself for 4 days.  But, I did it!

 It was the most amazing experience.  My children and hubby survived without me and I without them.  It made me realize that I can indeed let go a little bit :)

 This company is amazing to be a part of.  Yes, I took away great knowledge on sales, recruiting and booking parties.  Yes, we got A LOT of great free products.  I got to meet my Director and other ladies I have talked with for 2 years but never met in person.  But....my biggest take-away?  Priorities.  It is ok to say "no" to things.  It is ok to say "no" to business opportunities to focus on family.  It is ok to plan in those special days with friends.  To hear all this coming from the founder of the company and her husband is pretty powerful.

 Sitting in an arena with 17,000 people all jazzed about products and learning....yet feeling not overwhelmed at all.

 I got to know these three ladies and built wonderful relationships.  It was a huge jump out of my comfort zone...but so good!

 We even got to meet Scott, Cindy's husband.  Cindy is the creator of the company and her husband as just around to chat with ladies and connect.  I never once felt like I was one of the numbers to help them succeed.  A company who has it's base in their faith and leads by example....amazing!

 I was able to spend a little time in the city after the Conference was over and before my flight.  It reminded me of my college days when I would travel home by myself and not even think twice about it.  Now,as a wife and mom...my focus is on others.  It was also pretty cool to walk around a city which hosted the Olympics in 1996 while the current olympics was going on. 

The sights of the city were quite pretty.  Last time Hubby and I were in the state, we did not have the time to sight see downtown.  I loved walking around and taking it in. 

Coming home was amazing.  I missed my family.  But, I have a feeling I have not had in a long time. I have the motivation to really work my business and see where it can take me.  i have the confidence to be able to leave my family more often! (Don't know how Hubby will feel about that take-away!)    I am super excited to see what this next year will bring for me now! :)