I cannot believe that in October Cody and I will be celebrating our 5 year wedding anniversary. It just seems like yesterday that we were two kids ( I was 19, he was 22) saying our vows with NO IDEA what the next 5 years would bring us. It amazes me each time I reflect on all that has happened (good & bad) I come to the same conclusion each time: We have changed so much. Thankfully, in a good way, and together. I'm going to share with you our timeline over the last 5 years so that you can see how ONE event and and JUST one decision as far as how you react to it- can literally change your life.
Here was our timeline for the last 5 years:
October 23, 2004: Wedding Date. Quick honeymoon to disneyland for 3 days (barely affording it!)
June 2005: My grandparents take Cody, I, my Mom, uncle, cousin, and siblings on a week long Hawaii trip. This would end of being one of the last times we'd all be together again.
October 12, 2005- I am fed up with corporate America just one month before my 21st birthday and decide to start my own Mary Kay business while working full time and taking 21 college units for my marketing degree.
October 23, 2005: Celebrate our one year anniversary in Disneyland for a weekend because that's still all we could afford.
March 2005- My very first career conference. I go as a brand new red jacket.
April 2005: We get our first baby, "Buster" aka "Kitten"
June 13, 2006: My mom passes away suddenly at age 43.
June 15, 2006: I decide I cant go back to my corporate job and resign planning to go into DIQ July 1st.
July 1st, 2006: Move from our 700 sq foot apartment to a 1600 sq foot house. Still renting.
July 2006- Go to my very 1st seminar with my brand new recruit Lori Swilley. I didnt want to leave my family so soon, but my gut (and family) told me to go. SO glad I did!
September 2006: My grandma goes into surgery and ends up very sick and in ICU. We dont think she is going to make it and I am able to be by her side 24/7 because of the flexibility my Mary Kay business affords me. After a few weeks- she is fine! Praise God!
November 1st, 2006: I debut as the youngest sales director in our National Area at age 21.
January 2007: My very first leadership conference in San Diego
July 2007- Go to seminar for the first time as a sales director.
December 2007: Pick up my first FREE mary kay career car, the Saturn Aura. We trade in my jetta and Cody's GTI to buy him a Dodge charger.
March 2008- Have my best month ever in Mary Kay. My commission check this month is OVER $13,000. And- my income would not drop below $6,000 per month after this averaging $8,000-10,000 each month. I also earned my pink cadillac.
May 2008- My Mary Kay business has picked up a ton!- We are able to move into a BIGGER house. A 2400 sq foot BRAND new house- BUT still renting for $2200/month. The California housing market isnt a good time to buy in at this point.
June 13, 2008: The 2 year anniversary of my mom's death, and the exact day I picked up my first pink cadillac. God works in mysterious ways!
July 2008- Finish our first full year at $500,000 unit club. Cody goes with me to seminar for the first time. I get a diamond bar pin, a 4 carat diamond ring, awards, plaques, and recognition and Cody sees how much Mary Kay CAN change our lives. He's on board and ready to roll. Our marriage also significantly improves from this point forward because we have added a new level of intimacy- we dream together.
December 2008- We BUY our first home in a gorgeous golf community! 5 bedrooms, 3 .5 baths, 3400 square feet. Thanks to Mary Kay, its not too bad for a "starter house!". NO- our starter house turned into our dream house!!
January 2009- We get our 2nd baby, "Maya". I told Cody when we bought a house he could get his dog. And he did. By the way, Mary Kay paid for her also!
July 2009- Finishes $500,000 in sales again taking a travel voucher to go on a 8 day trip to Atlantis in the Bahamas. Mary Kay announces that they experienced significant growth last year even in the midst of a recession.
And there you have it! Almost 5 years!!
In Summary:
-We went from broke to a 6 figure income
-2 free cars
-bought our first home
-had a plan B when tragedy struck
-Realized how important time with family is
-went from having a quick,cheap honeymoon to a 5 star luxury resort
-We matured and no longer sweat the small stuff.
-was able to spoil my husband with: a new car, dog, computer, etc.
A LOT can happen in 5 years and I feel like Mary Kay accelerates where we are going in our lives. Most of the things I've accomplished in the last 5 years are a direct result of starting my business. Imagine if I had not? I'd be in the same miserable job, surviving the same miserable life. I am so glad that I chose to NEVER quit my business. Trust me, there were times I wanted to but I knew in my heart that this business plan was proven so I kept going anyway.
Now- I am so Excited about the next 5 years and what they have to bring! Can you imagine what's in store?
How about you? What's your 5 year goal? I want to know!
-Lia
