Erika's Blog - Northern Connections

The interesting thing about life is that whenever you think things are going rather smoothly, something always comes along to challenge you. If you can take a moment to look at life objectively, you will find that we are not meant to live in a status quo environment. Our mortal existence is to develop character through trials. In our family we have been dealing with ill and ageing parents which is difficult but inevitable. Then along comes some unexpected trials that stretch your endurance even further. I am thankful that I have an eternal perspective and the knowledge that all good things in life are counteracted by negative occurrences, just to keep you grounded. I ask for help and guidance daily and that's what keeps me going.

Labels: family, health, spirituality

Our eldest son has just returned from being away in California for 2 years. We have not seen him during that time, just emails and phone calls. For the past 4 months that he has been home, we have noticed some changes in him, some good and some not so good. Our family dynamics seemed to be the same, but there is something that is not quite right. Developing open and honest communication has become a challenge. You really need both parties to want to participate and make it work. If one party decides to distance themselves, it becomes virtually impossible to come to an understanding and work to resolve any differences that exist. It is the same in business relationships, friendships or casual acquaintances. True and meaningful dialogue is the basis of any good relationship, but it also takes skill. You don't want to offend. Speaking with a caring voice and putting yourself in the other person's shoes will go along way to making sure there is no breakdown that will take a lot of effort to patch up when feelings are hurt.

Labels: communication, family

You may have heard the saying "no success in business makes up for failure at home" (or something like that). I've been thinking about success lately as I started out my home-based business. I also look at people I work with who put their jobs ahead of their family time or leisure time. Their families beg to schedule time with them. Working can definitely be more interesting and stimulating. It is much more exciting than trying to converse at a 3-year old level, or bake cookies. I stayed home for 13 years raising my children. It is not easy, but the rewards are well worth it. Now I am working full time and working part time at a home-based business. My philosophy is that your family comes first before all else. Otherwise, why did anyone choose to have children just to have them raised by day care staff and babysitters, and then wonder why they have problems. I firmly believe a parent's job is to raise good, responsible, respectful kids, and that means sacrifice (personal time, material things, etc.). Business success is secondary. What do you think?

Labels: business, family, success