Guest Blog:
How I Found Health and Happiness in Virginia Beach by Jennifer Scott
What do you do when your love life is a mess, your work life is less than satisfactory, and you can’t stand to put up with day-to-day life for one more day? You run away to Virginia Beach. At least that’s what I did.
I was at my wits end when I got the phone call from my cousin that ended up paving the way to my month at the beach. When, in the midst of catching up, she mentioned that she’d be going out of town in a few days and still hadn’t found anyone to houses it and look after the cats, I almost let out an audible sigh of relief. That’s how–two days later–I escaped to Virginia Beach.
I knew I’d enjoy my time walking on the shoreline, but I never would have thought that the sights and sounds of the ocean would put me so deeply at ease. I truly believe that there’s something therapeutic about being so close to nature and enjoying time alone in the sun.
After a few days, I started to wish I had a companion. Someone I could become friends with instantly. Looking around at all the happy dog-and-owner pairs walking the shoreline, I suddenly knew what I had to do! I ran back to my cousin’s house and jumped on the computer to sign up to be a dog walker (dog boarding was another option, but one I decided would be better in my own house free from cats, as I wasn’t sure how well they would mix…).
That’s how I met Frankie. Frankie the chocolate lab and I became fast friends after meeting up for a walk every day. I was surprised at how much she lifted my spirits each day and then remembered that dogs–and especially labs–are often used as therapy animals. It’s no wonder that Frankie played a huge role in making me feel like my old self again.
Meeting new people with Frankie by my side was a breeze. We hung out at the beach-side bars together–she charmed the locals while I sipped cocktails with a few people I’d met at the dog park the day before. And it wasn’t just this group of women that were friendly–all of the locals seemed to have a warm attitude about them that says, “Welcome to our home; we’re glad you’re here.”
Looking back, I couldn’t have known before packing my bags that my trip to Virginia Beach would affect me so deeply. I just wanted escape–I wasn’t necessarily looking to be close to nature, to make new friends, or to be healed spiritually. But that’s exactly what I got, and I couldn’t be happier about it.
Jennifer Scott is a lifelong sufferer of anxiety and depression. She created her website, SpiritFinder.org, as a platform for advocacy on opening up about mental health. Through the site, she hopes to share the types of steps and success stories that can help others realize their own power. When she isn’t working on her website, she enjoys traveling, working with animals, and seeking out new friendships and adventures.
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Marketing in the 21 Century by Lindsey Norman
Many businesses struggle with how to find the right combination of marketing tactics and services in order to boost their online presence to the next level. Where do I begin? How do I determine where to spend the majority of my time online promoting my business? These are all questions that you may be asking yourself as a business owner. The answer? There is no simple solution! What works for some businesses may not work for others. It is important to keep this in mind when you are researching what you should do with your online business presence.
There are so many different options to choose from these days! Social media, website and SEO marketing strategies, email marketing, advertising and PPC ads, video marketing, blogging, etc. How do you choose what aspects to incorporate into your marketing plan? Wait...what? A marketing plan? Yes! before you choose what services you need to focus your time and energy on, you need to create an online marketing plan for your business.
Here are a few things to consider when beginning an online marketing plan...
· What is my industry specialty?
· How will I market myself to others?
· What is my target audience?
· Do I know how to reach my audience?
· What social media platforms do I need to focus on?
· What budget can I set for myself using PPC or social media engagement ads?
· Should I create a short video to include on my website and social media sites about my business?
· Should I hire someone manage my online presence?
· Should I try blogging or hire someone to do it for me?
These are just a few ideas to get you started. I offer a complimentary 30 minute consultation and would be happy to meet with you. Thank you.
Lindsey Norman, Marketing Consultant, Social Media and Certified Professional Life Coach. Lindsey started In the Market Consulting in March of 2012 in Gloucester, VA. Lindsey works specifically with small business owners and individuals on marketing strategies for their businesses. She has a concentration in social media, video and email/administrative assistance services. She is always looking to work and partner with new companies. Feel free to reach out and connect with Lindsey to find out more: her cell (757)846-6319 and her email is inthemarketconsulting@gmail.com. Education: Certified Professional Life Coach-I-Grow Coaching Academy; B.S.-Education and A.A.S.-Business Management. View a sample of Lindsey's videos on our I-GROW Blog.
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Through My Spiritual Eyes by Wendy Meggett
I have had many daily obstacles in my life to overcome and the largest part within the past few years. Through it all God has kept me and armed me to able to overcome each obstacle with eccentric finesse. My experiences with the spiritual, natural, and man-made relationships of the world have shaped me as a river going through the valleys of the Earth. He allows all of us to learn from the occurrences as we begin from youth, reach maturity and then maturity plus.
The journey makes us better in time and allows for us to focus on the ultimate goals in our lives. With prayer God’s ‘voice’ leads us through the daily paths that He has long written for us. Just listen to all sounds being emitted through the air, observe the surroundings, meditate on His word and acknowledge that He uses other vessels to deliver messages to us. Through it all, God instills confidence and motivation inside of our souls. It is up to us to capture the qualities, nestle each one and release them when and where necessary defeating any obstacle that is standing in our way. Although the passage is not gratis of obstacles in all forms, shapes, and sizes along the way we gather what is needed through Him to survive.
The journey of David is the best example of my entry of thoughts. Despite David’s obvious challenges and the under encouragement of man in facing Goliath, he knew that he had God and God was going to give him the wit and strength he needed to defeat his giant obstacle. David without thought picked up five stones and nestled each one upon opportunity into his sling. David was motivated to build up speed as he wound his arm and knowing enough of God’s word that everything would be alright once he released the stone. I often ponder over the significance of five stones; I am not certain but I think of progression of faith. As my thoughts flow daily I have been led by His voice to allow others to grow through my visual thoughts.
There is more to come; however, in the meantime…
Wendy Meggett is from Hampton, Virginia, an aspiring author, a mother of twins, an U.S. Army Veteran and educator of adolescents with autism and Asperger's syndrome. She holds a Master's Degree in Education with great aspirations of earning her Doctorate in Counseling. As a decision encourager, she also conducts outreach ministries for disadvantaged adolescents in low income neighborhoods, tutors children and adults with learning needs, and consults families on behavior and educational needs of their children.