Xperience Connections® blogs are written to support businesswomen by encouraging and facilitating their personal and professional growth, motivation and business knowledge.

It’s All Part of the Journey

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April 18, 2015 Enlightenment, Inspiration

by Bonnie Ross-Parker – CEO/Founder of Xperience Connections

No matter how we want our journey to unfold and knowing that our thoughts create our reality, we often find ourselves in circumstances we could not have imagined.  Who hasn’t faced divorce – whether ours or someone we love?  Who hasn’t faced death – intimately or beside someone with whom we share support?  Who hasn’t faced illness?  Who has faced all three of life’s setbacks?

When my 22 year marriage ended, when I lost my son 5 years ago & just shy of his 40th birthday or more recently took the long road to eliminate breast cancer, in each case I simply wasn’t prepared or certain I could handle the challenge.  What is it about individuals who can maintain faith during the most trying times and what causes someone to give up?  From my perspective, it comes down to belief.  It is maintaining the belief that no matter what, there is a power, I call Divine Spirit,  that provides a safety net when you feel yourself drowning.  It’s trusting that light does illuminate darkness and that any tunnel has light at the end.  It’s the belief that time heals and that what was once normal can return.  It’s one step at a time, one day at a time and never giving up.

While I’ve always considered myself a compassion person, my unconditional caring for others’ circumstances became elevated because of what I’ve endured over the years.  I understand the pain of divorce, death and illness because of the journey I’ve taken.  I’ve come to respect that every individual handles their unique circumstances as best they can, with the resources available and over a time period that deserves no judgment.  I’ve learned that life is to be valued, respected and appreciated.  I’ve learned on any day, one’s journey can take a dramatic turn and what happens to us can only be handled by what we choose to do.

                Calendar dates have a way of reminding us of joy and sorrow.  We get to remember milestones because we’ve marked them on the calendar.  We get to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries because we’ve noted them so as not to forget.  Unfortunately, we can also choose to recall painful dates in the same way because we’ve chosen to acknowledge them.  Any ‘anniversary’ is always about remembering what once was.  The question anyone might consider is this.   Are we also celebrating the strength we’ve developed during times of healing so we can enjoy the gift of life?  Are we moving forward?  Are we giving ourselves enough credit for enduring, surviving and thriving?  Are we leading by example so others can engage their own strength guided by our own determination?

                Please don’t get me wrong.  Not once did I ever consider that any of my life’s challenges would be overcome easily.  I have faced anger, fear and disbelief.  I have faced the loss of faith, bitterness and the uncertainty of could I go on?  I have also engaged courage.  And, it’s the courage along with belief that have guided my healing.  I’ve remarried (26+ years and very much in love!); I love my son more than ever and have complete admiration for the way he handled his illness.  Cancer is no longer part of my reality.  I endured chemo, had surgery and am now almost finished with radiation.  That 8+ month journey is almost finished.  Being in the ‘winner’s circle’ fills me with overflowing gratitude.  (February 18th is on my calendar as the date I will always remember – cancer is GONE.)

                Moments become minutes.  Minutes produce hours.  Hours create days.  And, so it goes.  The joy of being alive, the opportunities that one can seize and the relationships that endure are all cause for celebration.  I hope I will always recognize that life does deserve our best and that setbacks can produce come backs.  Of course, it takes courage.  Yes, it requires faith.  And, yes, one can engage a higher power, ie, Spirit, to provide the safety net to ensure you stay afloat.  Life is worth living, no matter what challenges one faces.  I know that.  I hope you do as well

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2015 WLE ATLANTA CONFERENCE

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April 2, 2015 Business, Networking

2015 WLE ATLANTA CONFERENCE Where Business Opportunities Happen Tuesday, May 12, 2015 Please join me at the Women’s Leadership Exchange Atlanta Conference and celebrate with other women business owners like yourself. The WLE Atlanta Conference is a day filled with powerful information, inspiration and vital strategies. The programming, presentations and networking all forge connections to foster innovation, accelerated
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Education-Business Plan Suggestions

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March 28, 2015 Personal Development

Sometimes it’s helpful to hear others’ opinions or suggestions to help with problems you are facing in your business. This month our topic was “If there is a specific area of your business that isn’t going the way you’d like it to, identify what that is and what help you need.” Thank you to the
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Belief Trumps Doubt

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March 3, 2015 Inspiration, Self Confidence

March 1, 2015, By: Bonnie Ross-Parker, In: Current Featured Articles, March 2015, The Network Marketing Magazine “Our belief at the beginning of a doubtful undertaking is the one thing that assures the successful outcome of any venture.” By William James I share this quote with you because belief and doubt simply can’t coexist. So often in life, we
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Educational Topic: Motivation

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March 1, 2015 Motivation

Motivation seems to be the buzz-word. Seminars are offered, books released and online courses are advertised to motivate you to…….(fill in the blank). Whether it’s motivation to grow your business or yourself, we are bombarded with others wanting to motivate us. However, in my experience, only YOU can motivate YOU. We can learn tips and
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Vinings Business Event March 3, 2015 | Lunch & Learn

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February 25, 2015 Events, Networking, Personal Development

Would love to have you join me!  I’ll be sharing The Quick Connection: Differentiate, Be Memorable, Make a Difference.  I also wanted you to know about the Expo on the 10th – NO FEE to attend…I’ll be there and we can share time together. Both venues are in Vinings………My best coming your way.  Next Lunch
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Help Emily Get Her New Bath | Donate

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February 15, 2015 Life, News, Overcoming Obstacles

EMILY loves water, but it has been 7 years since she has had a tub bath.  Her mom, Linda and sister, Erin are not strong enough to take her up stairs anymore.   Emily Katz is 21 years old and lives in Atlanta, Georgia.  She has a joyful smile, fighting spirit and endless capacity to Love.  Born
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Women’s Radio Network

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February 5, 2015 Inspiration, Networking

Women’s Radio Network, WRNW1, Presents Bonnie Ross-Parker, CEO and Founder of Xperience Connections – Atlanta, GA Bonnie Ross-Parker is compassionate about supporting and helping other women to succeed. As the founder and CEO of Xperience Connections, her mission is to encourage and facilitate growth, performance and integrity of professional women. As a licensed program, XC helps
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Pursuit of Happiness

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February 3, 2015 Enlightenment, Inspiration, Life

Every now and then I will come across an article that stays in my mind long afterward. When I recently read a story about Michael J. Fox (actor in Family Ties), I was particularly moved by his philosophy on life.  Living with Parkinson’s disease, he continues to pursue his career, wrote a book and has
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Time Management Learned?

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January 6, 2015 Inspiration, Motivation

What would be possible if you managed your time in a way that works for you?  Here we are at the beginning of 2015 and many people have set resolutions that include goals of spending more time with their family, having more time to pursue their interests, achieving better work and life balance and work
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Contact Us:
Carol - 678-457-1557 or Carol@XperienceConnections.com
Tracee - 678-313-0767 or Tracee@XperienceConnections.com