Archive for the ‘*CHAR SHARES*’ Category

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Life Has Many Marathon Moments

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011

I almost 2 months I will be celebrating my One Year Running Anniversary – (details forthcoming)…in the past 10 months – a whole new world has been open to me.

I have learned that life is full of “Marathon Moments”, if you let it be

This past weekend, my sons and I had the chance to watch my husband achieve a goal he had- to participate in a cooking competition.

He has been in the Culinary field from a Truck Stop, Fast Food, “Meat & 3” Diner to the busiest restaurant on the Vegas Strip. A year ago, he fulfilled his dream of becoming a Chef. I have never seen him happier with his job.

Awhile back – the opportunity came up for him and his staff to create a menu and cooked for hundreds of people at a local Cooking Competition, Gourmet Grazer.

As the days drew closer in preparation, I sensed he was thinking “why are we doing this? This is going to be a pain in the butt!”

I reminded him several times, “you are preparing for a race – as I have prepared for mine. Leading up to it – tapering, deciding what to wear, race plan, diet, carb load and also LIFE, you begin to wonder why you put in all the effort, is it REALLY worth it? As you cross the finish line – you realize it was worth it and you will do it, again! This is YOUR Marathon Moment and the Finish Line is close. Enjoy the journey”

As the day of the competition begin – he prepped food for close to 10 hours before the competition. (talk about pre-race prep, huh?). Talk about dedication!

The doors open to the event and when I walked in – I was in AWE of their food set up and what they had to offer. Here are some pictures:

In the end – they competed against some of the best chef’s on the Vegas Strip. The journey to this day did not begin (for my husband) a few months ago) – it begin when he was 16 yrs old working at a Truck Stop and serving Krystal Hamburgers during a graveyard shift.

Who won? I guess by now, you know – that my husband and his crew won the competition!

As I stood up to take their victory picture –

my husband struck this pose, which is now called “The Ragsdale Victory pose” (look familiar to my race day pictures? )

To my husband, you set a goal – so long ago and here you are…

Champion and a Finisher of YOUR “Marathon” Moment. I love you and I am so proud of you!

Congrats to you ALL! (now, feed me – I am hungry!)

____________________
Live Strong,


Charlene L. Ragsdale – Las Vegas, NV
Half-Marathoner, Business Blogger, Public Speaker & Hosts IMPACT Radio Channel
~My Facebook Fan Page ~Follow Me on Twitter

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“Who Knew?” (it would be Twitter)

Wednesday, January 26th, 2011

Last August, I wrote a blog about meeting one of my favorite TV personalities, Christopher Lowell (Interior Designer) if you have not read it – CLICK HERE

Since that time, it has been an incredible journey getting to my new friend (Christopher) and having the opportunity to work along side of his production team to see the launch of his high anticipated webseries, Ask Christopher

Is the webseries wonderful? If you have not watched it, please do and share with your friends!

As many of you know, I am part of the Social Media Management for Christopher Lowell.  I tweeted about him and on his behalf from his personal account @Clowell from Vegas World Market this past week.

I felt I would take this opportunity to address some of the questions I have received since Christopher had made the announcement that I am part of his team.

Those who follow Christopher on Twitter, it is not a secret that Christopher and I are friends.

What many have asked me in recent days is how did Christopher meet and how did it come about I would be a member of his team.

One word:  Twitter

Yes, the 140 character social media medium brought Christopher and I together.  But, not in the way you might think.  I found him on Twitter through his official website www.christopherlowell.com and followed his twitter account through there.  I was brought to his attention because we both have an autism connection.

When we first “met” – early Spring of 2010 – he had no idea my business backround and niche was Social Media and I never connected with him with the intent to find work with him.  Let me repeat, I never connected with him on the intent to gain business from him.

My expectations were zero

We struck up a simple 140 character connection – and as luck would have it, he came to the Vegas World Market in August and I had the chance to meet him and his staff.

We continued to be friends and along the way, he found out what my work was and it was a match for what he needed.

Do you see where I am going with this?

Twitter was a medium to meet a man and him to meet me.  We would of never met face to face.  It opened a door for conversation and chit chat.

Had I started to Pitch/Try to monetize my connection with him from the beginning.  As true as I am sitting here writing this blog, I can tell you – I know we would of never became friends.

Taking it from our cue – Social Media has one purpose and one purpose only.  To meet people you would not typically meet face-to-face.

I have other Social Media clients.  Some “get it” and some “don’t” – those who don’t get it, their businesses will be short lived and one is on the verge of folding.  Why?  Lack of acceptance and fully utilizing the Social Media medium to meet people.

It’s the relationship that matters, regardless if it adds to your bank account or your online credibility.  The measure of your credibility in life is the people who are a part of it.

I am blessed to have Christopher Lowell in my life, as many of his T-pals are grateful to be able to connect with him, too.  He is a friend to many off and online.

I am glad many of you enjoyed my tweets from @Clowell about his time at Vegas World Market.  Here are the pictures from that event CLICK HERE

Next time you connect with someone on Twitter.  Remember, there is a real person, with a real life behind that profile page.

If you don’t like to be “sold” – then don’t “sell” to someone else

You just never know you will meet on Twitter…

____________________
To Your Success,

Charlene L. Ragsdale – Las Vegas, NV
Award Winning Network Marketer, Business Blogger, Public Speaker and Host of IMPACT Radio Channel
-Follow Me on Twitter

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My New Year’s Message –

Wednesday, December 29th, 2010

New Day

New Week

New Month

And yes…New Year

Seems everyone is taking this opportunity to reflect, redirect and reshift their focus on great things they will accomplish in 2011.

Now, don’t take me wrong – I am ALL about Goal Setting. I believe in visualizations of a dream, aspirations and goals.

However – why is it that we ponder on New Year’s of what we want to change – and within a few days time – we forget about our goals?

Why do we not make goals throughout the year to achieve?

For me – so many life opportunities would have been missed had I not set goals throughout my year. These are goals/aspirations that came to me well into 2010.

What would I have missed?

1) The opportunity to take my oldest (autistic) son to the next level in his academics (Goal I made in February 2010)

2) Fitness goals: lost 15 lbs (goal I made in April 2010)

3) Ran a Half Marathon (goal I made in May 2010)

4) Took several trips (goal I made in May 2010)

5) Changed our eating habits (goal I made in April 2010)

6) Found a new home church (goal I made in August 2010)

Had I only set my goals on New Year’s Eve and did not leave myself open for other possibilities – then I would have missed out on incredible blessings to me and my family.

What were my goals last New Year’s Eve?

I truly didn’t have any. I was open. I was open to new people I would meet, new experiences I would experience and seeing life in a different way. Last year – I was just ready to change and open to whatever journey God was taking me

This year’s New Year’s Eve?

I will be the same. No goals – no Resolutions. Just a time to reflect on 2010 and be open to the great changes in 2011.

Happy New Year’s everyone – I am so glad we had this journey together in 2010. I look forward to a greater journey in 2011.

____________________

To Your Success,

Charlene L. Ragsdale – Las Vegas, NV

Award Winning Network Marketer, Business Blogger, Public Speaker and She hosts a weekly Blog Talk Radio Show

-My Facebook Fan Page

-Follow Me on Twitter

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What is Gratitude?

Wednesday, November 24th, 2010

Simply put . . .

Happy Thanksgiving to all my US Friends…

____________________
To Your Success,

Charlene L. Ragsdale – Las Vegas, NV
Award Winning Network Marketer, Business Blogger, Public Speaker and She hosts a weekly Blog Talk Radio Show
-My Facebook Fan Page
-Follow Me on Twitter

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“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year…” | Is it Really Only Once a Year?

Saturday, November 20th, 2010

Holidays.  It’s that time of year.


Where loved ones find excuses to get together for their yearly quarrel, sometimes drunkenness and bitter enragements.

Why do we set aside a few days a year to get together with people we wouldn’t spend a moment in the Laundromat with?

Why is it that we find the compulsion to be “grateful” on one day a year – when in fact, our focus is which Stuffing to use or will the Detroit Lions win this year?

People claim the lure of holidays is lost because of commercialism.

I disagree.

I believe it is lost because of humanism.

Our inability to create and maintain relationships throughout the year – so that the holiday will be the celebration of the year-long relationship, not just “once a year and we get together because we have to” attitude.

This year, I challenge you to have holiday time everyday in your life!

Here is a list of different ways, but certainly not limited to celebrating holidays, year round.

Everyday…

Celebrate Thanksgiving – by being grateful and telling someone else how grateful you are they are in your life.  Send a card, email, phone call – flower.  Just tell someone how grateful you are they are in your life.

Celebrate Christmas – by spreading Joy.  Start with your household.  Smile at them.

Celebrate the New Year – by creating new goals and journeys for you, each day.  Take a different route to school or work.  Shop at a different grocery store – you never know who you will run into!

Celebrate Valentine’s Day – by telling someone close to you “I love you”, and mean it!  Most importantly tell yourself.  When was the last time you bought yourself some flowers or a special treat?

Celebrate Spring/Easter – by enjoying the rebirth of Nature.  Enjoy the flowers.  Enjoy the sky.  Take 10 minutes each day to just be in Awe of Creation.

Celebrate July 4th- by thanking a Veteran or honoring someone you know who has passed.  Help out a Military family with a day of babysitting, carpooling. Do something to show your appreciation for your Freedom

Celebrate Labor Day – by thanking those workers who make YOUR life easier.  The Grocery Clerk, the store Bagger, your Bank Teller, the Gas Station Attendant.  Who helps you in your everyday – which you need to thank for just showing up at their job so you can buy/shop?

Celebrate Halloween – not by giving out candy – but allowing yourself to have some fun and laughter.  Remember the fun you had as a kid with the simple things?  Enjoy doing something out of character – change into a “costume” in your life and have some fun with yourself.   Treat, not Trick yourself.

Enjoy your year-round Holiday Time!

____________________
To Your Success,

Charlene L. Ragsdale – Las Vegas, NV
Award Winning Network Marketer, Business Blogger, Public Speaker and She hosts a weekly Blog Talk Radio Show
-My Facebook Fan Page
-Follow Me on Twitter

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The Egg, Carrot and Coffeebean | How Do You Handle Adversity?

Monday, November 15th, 2010

This was given to me many months ago, wanted to share it with you………

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up, she was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose..

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.

Turning to her daughter, she asked, ‘ Tell me what you see.’

‘Carrots, eggs, and coffee,’ she replied.

Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft.

The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it.. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg.

Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma.

The daughter then asked, ‘What does it mean, mother?’

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently.

The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak.

The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened.

The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

‘Which are you?’ she asked her daughter. ‘When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?’

Think of this: Which am I?

*Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

*Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?

*Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain.. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you.

When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level?

How do you handle adversity?

Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?
____________________
To Your Success,

Charlene L. Ragsdale – Las Vegas, NV
Award Winning Network Marketer, Business Blogger, Public Speaker and She hosts a weekly Blog Talk Radio Show
-My Facebook Fan Page
-Follow Me on Twitter

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Have you been Conquered?

Thursday, October 21st, 2010

“He who angers you conquers you.” – Elizabeth Kenny


When I went to bed last night, my intention was to write another article about Anger.  I had not written a word, yet.

When I logged onto my Facebook account this morning, the quote above was the first update I saw.  It was done by someone I met awhile ago at a local Toastmaster meeting, Jesse Oakley III – he also has a great blog site for inspiration and reflection, I recommend it:  http://jesseoakleyiii.blogspot.com

Anger.  It’s a natural emotion.  We all have felt it, in one form or another.  Some deal with it better than others, don’t you agree?

Recently, I found myself in the presence of several who are carrying so much anger towards another business associate – the air was sucked right out of the room.  I kept saying to them, “STOP giving that person so much power over you!”  In fact, they did not realize how much their Anger towards another was projecting to others.

So, the quote is true.  If we keep anger against another – they that person not only controls you – but it conquers you.

That person, that situation and that anger – WINS  No halftime Report.  No instant Replays.  The Score is You = Zero, Anger = 100

If you are so angry at the other – do you want them to WIN over you?

Do you want that situation to CONQUER you?

I challenge you to seek out those who can help you deal with your anger, SWIFTLY.  The anger is YOUR emotion.  You own it, therefore – you control it.  Now, read what I wrote – I didn’t say DON’T get angry, I said – deal with it.

Wouldn’t you rather have control and knowing you have VICTORY and that Anger has not CONQUERED you?

What ways do we perpetuate Anger in our lives?

Gossip/Rumors/Lies

Frustration

Malice

Wrath

Silence

Avoidance of the person or subject


I have done that, have you?  I have had moments in my life I wouldn’t let the Anger go.  Seemed great, at the time – afterall, I was a ticked-off puppy at the person and I want the whole word to know!

I realize how foolish I was.  I gave that person too much power in my life.

No more.

Anger doesn’t conquer me, ever again.

Does it control you?

Does the very person or situation that you are angry at conquer you?

If you are still angry – it does control you

Be Empowered.  Don’t Let Yourself Be Conquered, it’s not worth it.

Who will be Victorious at the Top of your Mountain? You or your Anger?

____________________
To Your Success,

Charlene L. Ragsdale – Las Vegas, NV
Award Winning Network Marketer, Business Blogger, Public Speaker and She hosts a weekly Blog Talk Radio Show
-My Facebook Fan Page
-Follow Me on Twitter

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Living a Life of “I am Sorry”

Monday, October 18th, 2010

Yes, it’s been awhile since my last Blog article.  That has been on purpose…I have been putting my focus on many of clients through Network Marketing and Social Media.

This past weekend I traveled to one of my favorite cities, Salt Lake City.  I have traveled to this beautiful area for business since 2001.  It’s a great escape for me, since I am surrounded by the Neon Lights of Vegas.

During the weekend, I stepped out of my bubble for a  few days.  My typical day consists of watching what I eat, exercising and making lifestyle choices that are peaceful, blissful and with focused intent.  Not to say my day doesn’t have it’s share of stress or anxiety – afterall, I am a mother of two school-aged children and a wife to chef on the Las Vegas Strip.

However, my life is very simple and I love it that way.  In fact, I work to keep it that way.  I don’t over schedule myself and can easily get into wind-down mode if I need to.

While I was having lunch with a few business associates, I was struck by the oddity that I would have difficulty finding food I could eat.  Oh yes, I CAN eat anything and not worry about gaining weight because I work out so much.  The choice was simply that I CHOOSE not to eat anything for my overall health.  When I was going to order – someone said to me, “oh, you are one of THOSE who likes to eat healthy?”

I said, “yea – SORRY!”

Then…it dawned on me.  Why am I making ANY apologies for MY personal choices?  Is it a crime that I choose to eat or live a healthy lifestyle?  No. Is it hurting anyone that I choose to watch what I consume and put in my body?  No. Then, why do we apologize for the choices we make – when we KNOW it is not hurting or inconveniencing anyone?

It’s out of the norm, that’s why.

In a day where the normal is mediocrity, laziness and full of excuses.  One who attempts to better themselves physically, emotionally, professional or even spiritually are often on the receiving end of glares and “why are you doing THAT?” attitudes.”

Do you bow down to the normal or rise up to excellence?

One thing I learned in the past year – when someone picks on my choices, it is lack of understanding on their part – not mine.  I choose to work in Network Marketing and if someone chooses to mock my professional and my industry, you don’t understand.  I choose to work with the company that has transformed the lives of my families and tens of thousands with their healthcare products.  If you choose to slander and mock me – you don’t understand.

My personal message is clear.  I am who I am by the choices I make and I make no apologies for the positive direction I have chosen to walk.  Do I have all the answers?  No. Do I always make the right choices?  I do not.


Do you live a life of apologies or convictions?  Do you proudly smile at the choices you make or hang your head low?

I challenge you to examine how you see your own life.

Don’t like it?  Improve your life or are you content with putting your head in the sand and ignoring life around you?

Like your life?  Make it even better!


“I am better than I was yesterday and I look forward to who I become tomorrow!”


What are your thoughts about how people react to your life or business choices?  I would love to hear your stories and thoughts.

____________________
To Your Success,

Charlene L. Ragsdale – Las Vegas, NV
Award Winning Network Marketer, Business Blogger, Public Speaker and She hosts a weekly Blog Talk Radio Show
-My Facebook Fan Page
-Follow Me on Twitter

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Unexpected Giving | What a Surprise!

Wednesday, September 8th, 2010

Chances are, you are like many who have suffered severe financial setbacks at one time in your life.   Sometimes it comes in a form of a bad decision or sometimes it comes in a form of a tragic event.  Regardless, the outcome is still the same feeling – hopeless.

I was inspired to write this blog as I recently met an incredible lady who inspired me to re-evaluate what giving is all about.

To protect privacy, I will call her “Sue”

Sue and her husband have had HUGE financial and emotional setbacks this past year.   A story that is shared by many in this tough economic times.

Car problems, home repairs, food bills, loss of FT job – it’s happened to them.

Just recently (during an exceptionally stressful time) they had a relative give them some extra money to purchase a much needed vehicle.

When Sue told me of this, I immediately was overjoyed to hear how they had been provided a way to get out of this dark hole.

Then…she proceeds to tell me (paraphrased) “we immediately thought of how we could use part of this money to help out someone else.  We started to pray for direction”

As most of us would immediately go out and spend it on OUR needs – they wanted to share in their financial gift with another.  Wow!

As they attended church – they received their answer and were able to help out another family in a way that only Sue could have done.

They looked for a chance to give “unexpectedly” and they not only were able to give – they in turn were given the gift of helping out someone else.

Their gift was pure love and giving and it was unexpected.

Do you ever wish (or pray) to “Give Unexpectedly”?

Think of it this way – if Sue and her husband had not wished (and prayed) for a Giving Opportunity – there would be another hurting family right now.  They fulfilled that need.

Just today – I called a neighbor to ask if she knew of anyone who would need a Toaster Oven (we no longer use our –almost new- one).

And guess what?  She needed one – her Toaster Oven just broke!

Ironic how that happened, isn’t it?

It was unexpected for both of us!

Today – why not let Life show you how to give to another Unexpectedly.  Maybe your Gift will be Time. Maybe someone needs a cup of coffee.

Allow yourself to be open to Give Unexpectedly and share in the joy of the Moment of touching someone else’s life in a positive way.

Be Open to what Life is showing you….I know my new friend Sue, is very glad she was open.  I know I am glad.

I would love to hear about your “Unexpected Giving” Stories – either you giving or the one who is receiving.

____________________
To Your Success,

Charlene L. Ragsdale – Las Vegas, NV
Award Winning Network Marketer, Business Blogger, Public Speaker and She hosts a weekly Blog Talk Radio Show
-My Facebook Fan Page
-Follow Me on Twitter

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Feel Like a Dog Jumping Through Hoops?

Thursday, August 12th, 2010

Have you ever had a boss, business partner or associate who recommends you to do something and your immediate thought was “you want me to do WHAT?”

Look at the picture with this article…what do you see?

A dog about to jump through a hoop?

Or

The dog trainer is holding a hoop?

I see the Dog not moving.

We can safely believe that the trainer wants the dog to jump through the hoop.  Ultimately, it is the decision of the dog if he/she will jump through it.  The Dog has entire Power in this situation, not the Dog Trainer.

Seeing this picture – reminds me of a conversation I had with someone. This person insisted (kind of like a Dog Trainer) that I purchase overpriced internet ads to build my Network Marketing business.

I became the dog in the picture.

“You want me to do WHAT?”

And I refused and glad I refused. I am not saying Ads isn’t effective, but it’s not me and that other person knows internet ads are not my style. Yes, he (the “dog trainer”) took his own opinion, his own needs to tell me to jump through the “hoop” (Ads).

The point?

Next time you find yourself being that dog in the picture and wondering “they want me to do WHAT?”

My recommendation is…don’t do it.

Yes, we want to follow experiences, yes – we will want to stretch ourselves to learn new skills. However, when our internal radar is going into the red zone – that’s not “out of your comfort zone” – that’s a red flag.

Trust yourself to know yourself. Trust your God given instincts to know your capabilities, your talents and your limitations. Know Thyself.

Seek advice from others, but don’t be left jumping through the hoops, because someone told you so.

**My Reading Recommendations on this topic:

“What it Takes to be #1” by Vince Lombardi, Jr www.VinceLombardiJr.com

“Collapse of Distinction” by Scott McKain www.ScottMcKain.com

I look forward to your comments and shared experiences.

____________________

To Your Success,

Charlene L. Ragsdale – Las Vegas, NV

Award Winning Network Marketer, Business Blogger and Public Speaker She Hosts a weekly Blog Talk Radio Show

-My Facebook Fan Page

-Follow Me on Twitter

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