Looking Back at 2014

I can't believe how fast 2014 came and went!  I sat down to reflect at what kind of year 2014 was for me.   It sure had it's ups and downs but I would have to say for me personally there sure were alot of 'ups' and one big 'down' that was a good down!   I looked back at my business goals I set and I am happy to say that I accomplished meeting those goals.

Here were the goals I set:
1. Offer more workshops - I added a new Technique Tuesday class each month which has been full nearly each time!
2. Learn more techniques to show - Because of my Technique Tuesday class, I'm constantly searching and trying new techniques.
3. Increase my sales by gaining more customers - I gained a few new customers this year - thanks in part to our newest Cricut Collection  - Artfully Sent that came out in the fall.  This has lead to another new class for 2015!  An Artfully Sent Cricut Class starts this month!
4. Build my team by adding more members - I added more team members and was promoted to Manager!  But this is a continual work in progress because team members come and go.  With the beginning of the new year, my team will again be down in numbers but I won't let that stop me.  CTMH is such a wonderful company, I will always encourage those that are interested in signing up!

Best of all - and this wasn't even IN my goals for 2014...... I earned the trip to Hawaii!!  Near the end of the earning period, I was so close and the wonderful sisterhood of CTMH consultants and many friends came together to make sure that I got there!  I will be forever grateful!   This has encouraged me more than ever to keep doing what I am doing.   I love the consultant sisterhood, the friends and customers from near and far, and best of all the company - Close To My Heart.

So I bet you are wondering what the 'down' was.  Another goal I set for myself personally was to be a healthier ME.   I had reached THE age where I knew the longer I let things go, the harder it would be for me to get back on track.  So in January of 2014 I started looking at better ways to eat.  My always hectic lifestyle made it hard to eat healthy but I was determined.  I also needed to get in better shape and stop packing in the pounds.  By early February my husband and I both joined a gym.  I was determined not to let it be a 'thing' for 2-3 months and then fall off my schedule.  I have to admit.... it is VERY hard to make time for working out when you work 40 hours a week AND have my Close to My Heart business  that included 4 clubs and a monthly workshop.  In the beginning it was very stressful (sometimes I would be in tears) but I had the support and encouragement of my daughters and my husband.   I'll never forget the first time I got on the elliptical machine.  After 5 minutes I needed to rest! But after a month of going to the gym 5-6 times a week, I was doing the elliptical machine at a pretty good pace for 30 minutes and then I would hop onto the treadmill for 30 more minutes of walking at a fast pace.

Before long, I had worked my way up to running!  This was something that I thought I'd never be able to do!  I had a bum knee and was wearing a knee support to keep from injuring myself.  I was afraid if I hurt it, then I'd stray from my workouts.   Slowly, each month, I would see the pounds being shed.  In June I started an extensive Body Workout with my daughter.  We were dedicated to the workouts for the length of the program - 3 months and I really saw results.  

October 2013                                           August 2014

In the picture on the left above, this was taken in October of 2013.  My husband and I had gone to Ashville, North Carolina for a long weekend.  We walked up the stairs to the top of Chimney Rock.  It was long and hard and we stopped several times to catch our breath!  The picture on the right, was taken at Panama City Beach on one of my early morning runs.  What a difference.

In June I ran my very first 5k race at the Close To My Heart Convention.  This was a MAJOR milestone for me.  By August I was able to throw my knee support aside - I no longer needed it!    

October 2014 - My sister and I before going on a run

For 2015 I will strive to keep up the healthy eating and regular exercise.  I feel so much better!  I encourage anyone who is thinking about changing their lifestyle to DO IT!  It is hard but it is so worth it!

Again for 2015 I will continue to build my team, my sales and my friendships through new customers!

I'm looking forward 2015!