Being a Leader in Difficult Times - by Mary Gardner

This morning I was at the YMCA and admiring some cute work out gear that a couple of the gals were selling. I stopped to talk with them and asked how they got into this work. They told me they were selling the clothes for another gal who imports the line from Israel, Brazil and all over the world. Then I told them that the clothes were so cute, but they just weren’t in the “budget” right now!

Did that strike up a conversation! One of the women started complaining about being on a budget… I think for the first time in her life. Her husband keeps asking her where the money is going and she said, “groceries”. She didn’t have a budget before so she hasn’t curbed her spending.. and it was frustrating to the husband.

At that moment, she and I both said that everyone is having to cut down now.. and that everyone is having to change their habits. It was also a moment that I could have chimed in some inspirational quote, a piece of faith or cast a vision for the future, that isn’t the doom and gloom that the TV personalities are sharing, but a vision of hope, that we will be fine and we will survive the hard work we will put in to get us out of this recession.

So this morning, I’m searching for the perfect quote to memorize and share with those who I come in contact with throughout my days. And here are a few:

"It is time for us all to stand and cheer for the doer, the achiever - the one who recognizes the challenge and does something about it." Vince Lombardi

Tony Dorsett said:To succeed... you need to find something to hold on to, something to motivate you, something to inspire you.

Henry Kaiser said: “Trouble is only opportunity in work clothes.”

Then after I say the quote.. I’ll listen to my own words, and then go put it to action!
This is how we stay a leader, in difficult times!

Synergistic Team Stuff.... at BTS! by Mary

La la la la la la..

We have an awesome team… la la la la la la!!!

I gotta say.. I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of this team of the Beyond the Stuff women!!! We are the coolest!!! We are so much fun!!! We are so great together!!! We are so supportive… and we’re just so…. So…. WOW… what are the words???

BEYOND OUR STUFF!!!

Cool!!!

Okay, I sound like a blubbering idiot.. but it’s just because you gotta know how good it feels to really be a part of something and really feel like you fit in. To be a part of a team that flows so naturally and so synergistically, is just really a great feeling. To truly enjoy the people you work with…. And to be building a business together.. and to feel like your work really matters??? It’s just really cool!

Today, our BTS gals did a podcast.. and Robin was on deck. She discussed her current situation of her dad who is now 90 years old, and how their relationship has changed. He used to be able to care for her needs, and now she’s taking care of him. The difficulty of that situation alone is hard, but because Robin is such a giving person, she forgot to really take care of HER needs, and has ended up frustrated and out of steam. The BTS gals all took turns coaching Robin and challenging her, supporting her and encouraged her to take good care of herself, to set some boundaries around the situation and to get some others to make calls to keep him involved.

Now, what’s happening is really awesome. We’re all working together to build our radio show and now we have a bunch of agents who are interested in us. We also have this great opportunity do some other projects together. I can’t wait until we’re doing workshops for people all over the globe… to really support people to live fully and authentically!

The group is so incredibly powerful together, that I feel like it’s taken on a life of it’s own… that when one of us is busy the others pull the weight for the group and we’re all taking turns keeping this train rolling.. and in the meantime, more people are taking notice of our group.. and happily, we’re all willing to share our gifts with the world.

And from personal experience, and knowing them all as friends, that each one of these women have been a true gift to me… their friendships are real and their hearts are golden. They’re all amazing women, who joyfully share their spirits of goodness with each other and with those they encounter. I just know that all of heaven is rejoicing over this group that I believe God put together for a higher purpose… to entertain, to encourage, to help, to serve and to share…. And I just feel so honored to be a part of it.

Now I understand why all of the actors first thank God when they receive an award. It’s because they can’t believe their good fortune that has been bestowed upon them, and that they were able to get to work on a certain project, and then were recognized for the quality of their work.

I do feel like thanking God.. for the gift of these women, who all wanted to work with me and the others in the group, in creating a show, and a brand and to help each of us.. and all people Get Beyond The Stuff.

And I thank my sistahs.. at BTW.. and our “TG”, Bruce for being supportive and keeping us on our toes.., and our business advisor, Landon for your amazing wisdom, and for Sway, for being passionate and brilliant about our technology (and supportive of my involvement) … and lastly, to the friends who are cheering us on from the sidelines…


I hope all of us will grow by leaps and bounds… as we continue to learn to live… Beyond The Stuff!!!