News (blog)

At the end of last summer I started getting sick, really sick. I knew something was wrong, but couldn't put my finger on what it was. I kept thinking I was just stressed ( true) that I was working too much ( also true) and that I wasn't eating well ( true again). Wonder how many of us Women Entrepreneurs struggle with the same issues?
I started changing my eating habits and paying attention to my body more. Unfortunately, as the summer turned to fall my symptoms continued to get worse and weirder yet. My hands and feet were tingling almost all the time, Migraine level headaches were more and more common and my energy was at an all time low. I headed straight to bed almost every night after coming home. The scariest part was my mind- I felt like I was loosing it. Forgetting almost everything ( including the correct words for sentences) and barely able to function in business settings. Months went on with my health declining. 6, 8 then 10 doctor visits and blood tests-Labels Like MS, Chronic Fatigue, Lupus and similar were thrown around. There were times that I thought I was dying- Sounds dramatic, but after talking with my husband  he confirmed feeling the same way.

I continued to soldier through life trying to function, but inside I was terrified. I knew the time was coming to surrender my life as I previously knew it.
Just at my point of surrender- There was a miraculous turn of events and I started getting treatment for Mercury Poisoning.( By fellow WE member Chris Anne McDonald)  I started treatment in December and have been on the amazing if somewhat bumpy road to restored health ever since. In so many ways this journey through illness and coming back into health has changed me for the better. I am so much more grateful for all that life offers. I have a renewed passion for my business, love my family better and care a whole lot less about what other people think.

Why am I sharing this and what does it have to do with being the Co-Director of Women Entrepreneurs of Alaska? I decided to share this because through this process I made two huge mistakes. Mistakes I hope that I can help others avoid by sharing this.
My mistakes were: I didn't share what was really happening and I didn't ask for help. I continued to put on my "business face" to the best of my ability and gave myself very little grace to just be sick.

It's not normally talked about is successful business books or even with each other in meetings, but what do you do if there's a life event that is seriously affecting your ability to function? My advice today is forthright honesty to the best of your ability.We all need help from time to time- Now is a good time to ask for some :)
For one thing- I've since learned that others noticed I was different, but didn't know why. Some even took it personally. Lack of information leaves a vacuum that must be filled. There's no guarantee that others will respond the way you want them to, but holding back the truth doesn't give them the opportunity either.

In my case, people in my personal and business life were left out of the process. That's the second part of the lesson I learned- that to honestly share in each others journey ( both the  good and bad ) allows both parties to learn and grow. How do we learn to navigate the challenges of business and personal if we don't see it honestly modeled in each others lives?

Thanks for letting me share and I hope it gives space in your lives to open up and ask for help where needed.
Jen and my vision for the Women Entrepreneurs of Alaska is to provide a place of growth, encouragement, networking and education. It's so much more fun to know we are on the road together and supportive of each others growth in business and beyond!

Best,

Jennifer Christensen

Ciao Bella WE of Alaska Women,

You are all invited to my first Italian Isagenix Home Party next Sunday. September 30^th at our new home. 

7781 Upper O'Malley Rd.  (sixth house on left concrete drive)

5 PM to 8 PM 

Italian hors d'oeuvres & a bit of red wine, along with sampling of Isagenix Super Foods!

Hope to have you join us, contact me for details & to RSVP :-)

Becky McBain

www.alaskabecky.isagenix.com

(907) 351-9137 cell

beckymcbain@alaska.net

  

You are invited to a LUNCH AND LEARN at Ling & Louie's in the University Mall TODAY Aug 24rd at 11:30 am. As we eat; my friend Paris Kinmon who is a life time Alaskan and motivational speaker is offering her services to learn more about How is Toxicity affecting your ability to maintain a healthy weight and healthy immune system? Come find out at Ling and Louie's  Please RSVP with by texting &/or calling me at 907 351-9137, seating is limited, I know this is short notice; however, insightful information that is ideal for us all! Hope to have you join us :-) undefined at Ling & Louie's Asian Bar and Grill Anchorage, AK.

If unable to join please let me know if you may be interested in attending upcoming Lunch & Learn with my new business with Isagenix and Nutritional Health.

So happy to be a new member with WE of A as of now!  My first Blog...more to come :-)

Becky McBain

beckymcbain@alaska.net

www.alaskabecky.isagenix.com

907 351-9137

It's been a wonderful few months for Women Entrepreneurs of Alaska. Even with the summer months taking many of us out of state or atleast enjoying the outdoors- Our membership has been growing by leaps and bounds. Both Jennifer and I are so pleased with the direction of the group and all the support we see being given to each other in helping to grow our business.

Looking forward to seeing you all the evening of Saturday, December 10th at Terra Bella for a fun-filled evening. Event will be posted soon and online payment will be available and mandatory. Contact Jennifer at weofalaska@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Talking with Janna from Photo Arts by Janna confirmed everything I have seen from viewing her work. 

WE of Alaska is excited to announce Linda from Terra Bella as our member of the week. Terra Bella is such a fantastic part of the community in Anchorage. Linda's purpose and goals of Terra Bella are much larger than the coffee shop itself.  She serves as a central retail location for many products from organic and gluten free foods to art and fair trade crafts.

Most people have a similar experience when they meet Sara Wright from Organizing to Inspire for the first time. Her sweet smile and willingness to laugh make you feel instantly comfortable. After a few minutes of conversation you feel relaxed and start opening up about the areas that you are overwhelmed. Before you know it, the idea of her coming to your home or office and sorting through the unimaginable layers of disorganized mess doesn't seem so intimidating.