By breaking up my resolution into smaller monthly goals I have been able to stick with them in a way that I hadn’t been able to do previously.  Could I be onto something?  Now, let’s be honest I haven’t always been motivated as I was that first week but by reminding myself of my goals and using some of the strategies to stay motivated, I have managed to stay on track with these goals. 

When I do experience a sets back, I try to keep in mind  Don Shula’s 24-hour rule.  Don Shula believed that you should celebrate success or wallow in defeat but only do it for 24 hours.  Feel the emotions to their fullest but once your 24 hours have passed move on.  Success is not forever and failure is hardly  fatal.  He was so right!  Many of us get hung up in the failure that it keeps us from moving forward.  Remember each day is a new opportunity to begin again. 

How do you stick with your resolution or goal?

Some of you have heard me talk about my son’s basketball season this year and their 0-10-1 record.  As the regular season comes to a close,  I had to give you one last update!  Despite the Raptor’s record, the last 8 games were lost by 1 or 2 points and have been more exciting than some of the NBA games I have had the pleasure of attending.

The final regular season game was against the Magic, a team they lost to by 1 point just two weeks ago.  And let me just say……….sweet victory was had at last with a commanding performance 22-11 by the Raptors.  It was an amazing moment for all of the boys.  According to my husband and coach, every player contributed – offensively or defensively.  They played as a team and won as a team.  As fate would have it, it was the only game this season I didn’t make – murphy’s law! 

In an era where kids “win” or “tie” a lot, this season has been full of important life lessons for these third graders.  They have had to face defeat time and again and still find the motivation and excitement to come out and keep fighting; they have had to learn how to manage their emotions/frustrations and disappointments when the game didn’t go their way or they made a mistake; they had had to redefine success for themselves and as a team and realize why they play the game.  And the reason they play the game and continue to fight is because that they LOVE IT.  They have passion for the sport that supersedes what the score board says and they cannot wait to play.  So despite their record, each practice and game they come out fighting and ready to win. 

Hearing my son retell each moment last night with the greatest enthusiasm and passion made me feel like I was there.  It was better than an NBA game.  I had the nervous fluttering feeling when he described each high and low moment of great defense or missed shot.  But in the end, he finally experienced the sweet satisfaction of victory and that may just be enough to swing the tide of the team as they head into post-season play.   It has been a great season full of amazing life lessons and I for one take away a deep admiration for these third graders who to continue to play their hearts out, show up and play every game with the determination and will never to give up until the final buzzer rings.  We should all live this way!

Show up.  Never give up.  Follow your passion and success will follow.

Instead of exercising my muscles, I was exercising my brain and adapting to a new technology skill set.  The Social Networking Coaching Club is an online social media class hosted by Ann Evanston.  I first met Ann last spring when she was a guest speaker at our national conference.  She stole the show!  Her messaging was relevant, timely and on target for the social media explosion happening around us.  I left there wanting to learn more!

As someone who has been a late adaptor to the social media world and a skeptic who felt twitter, facebook, LinkedIn and blogging were a huge time suck with unknown return, Ann was able to speak to how these social media sites are the latest tools to help people connect with each other across the country and world.  The more you connect, the more opportunities you have for creating value and generating a return.  She reminded me that many of the same skills you use in networking in person are those used online – your reach with social media is just that much farther! 

As someone who works with people all over the world, learning how to responsibly use these sites for personal and business use was extremely compelling but also a bit daunting.  But nothing ventured, nothing gained so I jumped in feet first.  The boot camp condensed 10 weeks of work into four.  I was up at 5am to learn about blogging and vlogging, building up a presence on all of the big social media sites and putting together a personal brand.  It was a cross between self-analysis and entrepreneurship where we examined limiting beliefs and replaced them with abundant ones. There were times when I thought I wouldn’t be able to complete the challenge and my new year’s resolution would start and end in January but I’m pleased to say that I officially completed it and am presently taking all of what I learned and putting them into practice.

It has been a pleasure to connect with more people than ever before.  I am able to share photos and video with friends and family living all over the world to stay in better touch.  I have also learned how to share my expertise in the cultural exchange and childcare industry and as a business professional with fifteen years of general management knowledge to benefit others. 

Just yesterday, I had someone contact me out of the blue because she had been given my name through a mutual acquaintance.  We had never met but through networking, social media efforts and blogging, she learned about my background and reached out to me to see if I could help her Danish colleague’s daughter who wants to spend a year in the USA.  It was a great opportunity to connect with someone, share knowledge about the au pair program and other J1 visa opportunities and offer to help. 

Creating raving fans through education and generating PR and referrals is the ultimate business goal and what SNCC teaches its members.  If you or your business could benefit from learning more about this, you might want to consider the  www.socialnetworkingcoachingclub.com.   I know I have personally and professionally benefited.  My Klout score has increased and I am working towards becoming an online influencer.

So here’s to new years resolutions and sticking with them!  How are you sticking with your new resolution?

January: Goal  #1: Welcome a new puppy into our home

The kids have wanted a dog for as long as I can remember (insert eight long years)!  So this year we bit the bullet and researched breeds before selecting a Labrador Retreiver breeder.  The puppy was to be born in October and ready to come home at Christmas.  Thanksgiving came around and when we called to check in on the new puppy we learned that she hadn’t been born yet.  As fate would have it, a labrador wasn’t in our cards. 

A month later my husband mentioned in passing his friend was breeding German Shephards.  I was 100% against it until I met Lucy.  Deposit down on another dog and here we were driving to meet this new puppy.  Well, the rest is history!  Who could resist this big fluff ball.  Not I!  One month later we picked her up and introduced her to the whole family. 

Lucy was bred and raised at the Canine College in Holbrook, MA by owner and operator Bruce Billings.  She was well socialized and had already learned many of the basic commands thanks to Bruce’s training program. 

After one week my son claimed his life was now “complete.”  He refers to her as “boy’s best friend” and he has a special game that only they play.  My husband said she has added something to our family that we didn’t even know was missing.  And my daughter has already become so attached that she had tears in her eyes at the thought of her having to leave her behind last weekend.  We have all fallen in awe and love with Lucy.  Despite the many accidents, the chewing and wild moments, she has become family.  I look forward to chronicaling some of Lucy’s life lessons here so stay tuned.

January Goal #2: Complete Social Networking Coaching Club (to be continued…….)

Enjoying Pico Mountain

I am a girl for head wear.  I know it’s not always cool looking to be the kid out there wearing a helmet but it’s something I’ve drilled into my kids head since they were toddlers. 

Safety first!  Does everyone have their seat belt on?  The car doesn’t leave until we’re all safe and secure.  Safety first!  Do you have your bike helmet before skate boarding or riding your bike?  Safety first!  Have you put on your ski helmet to sled or ski?  Safety first!

It’s gotten a lot easier to get the kids to wear their ski helmets each winter now that everyone is doing it.  But I find myself wondering why everyone doesn’t.  I bought my au pair a snowboard helmet as a Christmas gift this year.  Safety first! 

Recently the whole family enjoyed some time skiing in Vermont at Pico Mountain.  After three great days we got a first hand glimpse why wearing a ski helmet is so important.  My daughter’s first trip up to the summit of the mountain and three quarters of the way down the mountain she caught an edge on the ice and went flying.  She couldn’t stop herself and it was one of those heart stopping moments where you realize how quickly an accident can occur and there is nothing you can do to stop it.  She flew through the air out of control with us racing after her screaming snow plow and her screaming I can’t stop.  We were fortunate – she only crashed hard on the mountain and not into a tree.  Her skis went flying, and she did a dramatic flip that landed her hitting her back and head on the ice. It was awful for everyone!

Safety first!  We checked her for any visible injuries to her body or head and outside of some tears and a some sore muscles she was able to get up and walk away from the horrible crash scared to death but alive.  She was wearing a ski helmet.  I have no doubt that if she hadn’t been wearing a protective helmet we would have been in the hospital worrying about a concussions and potential internal injuries.

Safety first!  Just after getting back, I received a call about an au pair program participant hitting a tree while skiing out west over the holidays with some friends.  He wasn’t wearing a ski helmet.  The initial prognosis was not good and the hospital recommended we notify next of kin in the home country of the accident.  Fortunately, overnight he took a turn for the better and will likely recover but his ICU experience will have long lasting impact on him.  I imagine he will never ski again without a helmet but you never know. 

If you know a child who loves to sled, ski or snow board mandate that they wear a ski helmet.  It could save their life!  Safety First!

For more information on how to best fit a helmet to ensure maximum protection I recommend using this site: http://skihelmets.com/size_fit.asp. We are big fans of Giro helmets but for a complete selection of options here’s a great site to reference: http://www.skihelmets.org/.  Some of the top recognized brands are Giro, Smith, Boeri, Bern, K2, Pro-Tec, and Red.

How do you promote safety first?

January – Complete the 30 Day Challenge on the Social Networking Coaching Club with Ann Evanston, welcome our new puppy, Lucy and see the world in a whole new way with contact lenses.

Our new puppy Lucy taken in 2010

February - Be fully in the moment to enjoy and embrace family time during school vacation week.  Celebrate my au pair’s birthday.

March – Celebrate my son’s birthday. Support a great cause and join in the fun with the Vermont Adaptive Ski Challenge.

April -Visit the 2nd largest state in the United States, Texas, for the first time with my company, Cultural Care Au Pair.  Celebrate my daughter’s birthday.

May – Commit to writing 1 personal letter each week to a friend or family member and reconnect with them the old fashioned way!

June – Run the 20th Anniversary Covered Bridges Half Marathon with my husband and friends. Turn 40!

July – Sail to the Islands of Massachusetts for a vacation on the high seas with my family. Enjoy the ocean breeze and living a simple life for a week.  Welcome our 10th au pair.

August – Read two classics and write a blog review!

September – Run a fun run race with the whole family.  Celebrate my husband’s birthday!  Pick one cultural and educational activity for the whole family.

October – Continue my healthy living commitment – exercise 4 days per week and eat (1) additional fruit and vegetable per day. 

November - Be thankful for all that we have and give back to others. Identify a local food pantry where my family can contribute our time and resources to helping over the holidays.

December - Write a family newsletter chronicling the year in review. Reflect back on all that was experienced and accomplished. Rest up for another great year ahead!

Put your goals to paper this year too and let me know what you hope to accomplish in 2011.

Every year I am amazed how quickly December flies by. There’s still wrapping to be done, school events to attend, packing of luggage, cookies to bake, as well as traveling to said destination. But despite all that looms ahead, I can’t help taking a moment to appreciate a moment of peace and quiet. Sitting in my kitchen listening to beautiful holiday music, a crackling fire in the background and my entire house asleep, I can appreciate all that the holidays represent. Time with loved ones. Peace. Joy.

So from my family to yours, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and hope you find a little peace this holiday season.

My Swedish tour guides 2010 (L to R) Former au pairs: Lisa (2008), Emelie (2006), Maria (2005) and Malin (2007).

After nine years of participating in a cultural exchange and childcare program through Cultural Care Au Pair and hosting au pairs from all over the world, I became a student of exchange when I traveled to Sweden and was able to spend time with four of my five former Swedish au pairs. What I experienced was what I expect many of my au pairs have experienced in their travel to the USA to join our family.  Excitement, trepidation, awe and delight.  We had been planning our reunion day for weeks now and I couldn’t wait to see the girls and catch up on each others lives.  For some it had been three years since we’d last seen one another, others only a few months but regardless of the amount of time since our last visit, seeing one another again was a joy and a trip down memory lane!

Welcome to my Swedish cultural exchange – meet my tour guides!

Maria was our au pair in 2005.  She was our second Swedish au pair but the first to care for two children.  My daughter was just 4 months when she arrived and she managed the two with grace, a sense of humor and passion for sports that made her an instant hit with my older son.  She embraced participating in our family activities and was always up for anything – swimming, sailing, skiing or snow boarding.  She introduced us to the Viking game of Kubb and Glogg, a Scandinavian warm mulled wine holiday drink that has become a part of our annual traditions. She returned home to Sweden and settled into Stockholm where she currently is a sales manager for an online wine distributor.

Emelie was our au pair in 2006.  The baby was now on the run as a fast moving toddler and my son was exploring the world of elementary school.  She arrived with a great sense of humor (thank god!), a passion for sports and an incredible talent for drawing.  She fascinated my son and daughter with her images of Star Wars and Dora the Explorer characters and played more games of soccer, basketball and baseball in the back yard than any of us could keep track of.  She never seemed to tire of it and always had a smile on her face.  Emelie introduced us to Swedish rain pants for children and was game to take the children out in all kinds of weather – rain, shine or snow – everyday.  This was our first introduction to the idea that there isn’t bad weather, just bad clothing – an old Swedish saying and we too fully embraced the idea. She returned home after her year to attend dental school.

Malin arrived in 2007 and my son fell in love.  She was blond and beautiful (his comments) and she charmed the pants off of him with her willingness to make legos and play basketball in the driveway.  She never tired of playing dress up with my daughter either and cast a spell over her with the all magical power of nail polish.  Like all of the girls, Malin made the most of the opportunities to travel and see the USA.  She returned home to attend Uppsala University to study the legal system and had expressed interest in becoming a police officer.

Finally, Lisa was our au pair in 2008.  An elementary school teacher by trade, she decided to participate in the au pair program when she was 23 because an earlier attempt had been thwarted by love in her late teenage years.  Lisa arrived determined to make the most of her exchange experience and brought a sense of calm to my hectic household that I have always appreciated.  She was a teacher through and through and we all learned a ton from her!  She returned home after her year and resumed a teaching position as a Kindergarten teacher where she dazzles the young children with her creativity and calm daily.

With everyone traveling in from different parts of Sweden we decided the best place to meet was my hotel.  I waited in the hotel lobby like an expectant parent pacing the floors and when they walked in I was overcome with emotion.  They all looked the same (stunning of course) and sounded the same but more grown up and confident.  They were excited to show me their city and so we set out on a walking tour of Stockholm.

What I noticed immediately was how fashionable everyone looked despite it being only 20 degrees outside and how many people were out and about on walking the streets. The girls reiterated to me the old Swedish saying – “no such thing as bad weather just bad clothes” with the requisite jup that sounds like someone is inhaling a yup under their breath.  I was also impressed with how clean and stylish everything was.  From the bathrooms in restaurants, coffee shops and even the airport to the city architecture, Swedish design was in full force and everything was clean, colorful and stunning.

On our travels around the city we passed the Royal Palace where just this summer the royal couple were betrothed, the Grand Hotel, the Vasa Museum and Gamlastan where you got a sense of such rich history and culture.

After many years of sharing tidbits about American culture and history with each of them during their year with our family it was a very cool experience to be on the receiving end of their local knowledge and desire to show me around their beautiful city.  We enjoyed a traditional Swedish lunch of Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, lingonberry sauce and gravy and caught up on each others lives.

Yum! I couldn’t resist a photo.  I have made these with the girls at home (here’s a great meatball recipe) but there is nothing like having the real deal in Sweden.  After catching up with one another we set back out and continued our travels.

We stopped for godis (candy) gifts to bring home and enjoyed a Swedish fika of coffee and candy.  We laughed with one another about different experiences from each of their years each and it was as though a day had never passed.  For some of the girls it was their first time meeting in person for others it was catching up as old friends.  For me, it was seeing my Swedish au pair family come together in their home country.

I look forward to sharing a visit back to Sweden with my husband and children next time and taking several weeks to travel the beautiful country.  In the meantime we will continue to stay in touch and plan future visits.

Now that I am home and preparing for the holidays, I see signs of my Swedish girls and other au pairs all around.  From the St. Lucia advent candle holder, to the Dala horses that decorate our living room to the Svenska and German soccer jerseys the kids adorn playing basketball, there is so much we have incorporated into our life as a result of our cultural exchange experiences.

In a week my daughter’s class will celebrate with a St. Lucia party and she will be able to share her knowledge of this rich cultural tradition because of her connection to our Swedish au pairs.  I continue to appreciate all that my family has learned and benefited from hosting au pairs for nine years- from help with childcare to language learning and cultural exchange.

Say what, you say?  Yes, it is true.  I said it.  My husband called my bluff of completing a full marathon by the time I turn 40 (ahem, next June) and in a romantic turn of events said he would run Boston with me every step of the way.  Gulp.  Slight panic. Ok – small smile, I think I can, I think I can.  Remember what I learned in my journey to the Diva.

1. Do something physical! Every person should do something big and physical with a lot of other likeminded people of all shapes, sizes, interests and backgrounds.  Running the Diva 1/2 with 2800 women was AMAZING.  To share words of encouragement, laughs, and stories of personal journeys and triumphs with total strangers was empowering for everyone.
2. Set a goal and don’t give up until you accomplish it! You can accomplish anything by having the discipline and tenacity to see it through to the end.  Take a big hairy goal and break it down into smaller bite sized goals.
3. Just keep showing up! Woody Allen says 80% of success is just showing up so I keep showing up to boot camp class and training sessions!
4. Create a community. Surround yourself with a community of people who will encourage you to keep going when you might otherwise have been inclined to give up.
5. Believe in possibilities! Recognizing your own potential is about realizing the possibilities that lie within and unleashing them.

At this point it is too early to say I am looking forward to it.  That would be a big lie.  But I know I can do it with the right training, encouragement and determination.  And because how cool would it be to cross the finish line with my fantastic hubby.  Wish me luck!

We leave this morning to travel to Long Island, New York to participate in my first half marathon.  The Diva 1/2 Marathon will bring women (and a few brave men) from around the country together to run 13.1 miles through Eisenhower Park.  I chose this 1/2 marathon mainly because it is flat but also because I loved the idea of running a race with the comradery of (mostly) women who are all on a journey of some sort, much like myself.  And when you finish you receive a big honkin’ medal and tiara from a NYC fire fighter.  What a hoot!  It is so over the top and designed to make you feel like a princess that it seemed perfect.

If only my college field hockey coach could see my now she would think the world had ended.  Mental toughness was not my forte when it came to long runs.  And when I say long, anything over 1 mile qualified. I often finished timed runs at the same time as the goalies who don’t spend entire games running up and down a field.  Charlene, the assistant coach was sure I would be cut from the team because I was so slow!

So while I’m not really here to prove anything to anyone (but myself), what this journey has taught me is that anything is possible.  My DH is coming too to be my one man cheering squad – and I know seeing his face in the crowd when I might be feeling tired and sore will be just what I need to keep going.

A big thank you to my support team – “SUPER FUN GRANDPARENTS” who will take care of my dear children with the help of my wonderful au pair, and all of my family, friends and colleagues cheering me on through FB, emails of encouragement, and calls.