Tag: Idea

  • What is the Difference Between Direct Sales & Multi-Level Marketing

    What is the Difference Between Direct Sales & Multi-Level Marketing

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    Multi-level marketing is one of the most popular ways in which anyone can start their own home based global business. It is a dynamic business model that has created many millionaires in the past, present and will no doubt continue to do so in the future. Just a small percentage of the world wide market spend every day would give anybody the opportunity to transform their lives.

    The business model usually has unique products or services, complete with a ready made website on offer, allowing each distributor an independent opportunity to build their own six figure income business at an incredibly low start up cost. Naturally that is an attractive business model to most people new to the world of business ownership and is a fast, usually low cost way in which to start working part-time on a business that can replace your working income in a short to medium term timescale.

     

    As the saying goes, it if was easy, everyone would be successful and a common misconception seems to be if one person thinks it is a great idea surely thousands of others will too. Whether or not you believe the internet has changed the way in which business will be carried out in the future or not, when broadband started to deliver information in seconds all over the world the way in which people can become well informed about the unknown changed everything.

     

    The multi-level marketing business model changed when the unique products and services became available from almost everywhere online. This creates several problems that can be difficult to overcome. Distributors struggle to be able to get customers in sufficient numbers but even more importantly the business model relies on leveraging the efforts of many levels of distributors in order to create the residual income element most people spend years trying to achieve.

     

    Direct sales has been around for a very long time and is the based around selling high ticket products, services and experiences which command higher margins and upfront commissions and are increasingly becoming a viable alternative to multi-level marketing.

     

    In the offline marketplace Direct Sales business models are commonplace, ranging from mortgages and other financial products, through cars and designer clothing all the way down to log cabins and fitted kitchens. The equivalent online usually offers unique information that has to be of extraordinary value for it to survive and compete with the more popular multi-level marketing industry. The most successful are linked to building wealth and being able to create an alternative lifestyle.

    For most people looking to create a residual income online or offline in the network marketing world there is now even more choice with a much higher chance of early profitability than ever before.

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    Source by Diane Cossie

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  • Breaking Down the Strip-Lining Sales Technique

    Breaking Down the Strip-Lining Sales Technique

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    In our most recent blogs, we’ve been reviewing Negative Reverse Selling and how it is very effective in creating great bonding and rapport with sales prospects. Negative Reverse Selling is a way of saying and doing the opposite of what the prospect expects from a salesperson, disarming them and creating trust with them. One of its more compelling techniques is called strip-lining, a method of using reverse questions to get the prospect talking, and you keep “throwing more line and let them swim”. However, you need to do this step right or it could backfire on you. When you do it correctly, prospects feel like they are in control of the conversation, and you have a better chance of making a sale. Practice this step frequently in low risk situations before using it on your biggest and best prospects.

    What should you practice? Getting the fit right means executing as follows:

    • Neutral prospects get very hard strip-lines, such as, “It sounds like you’re very happy and I should leave. Before I go, what do you like about who you’re doing business with now?”

    • Negative prospects get hard strip-lines, but not as hard as neutral prospects. For example, “Based on what you just said about your current vendor, it makes sense to me why you’re not interested in switching your business to another company. We get great feedback like that from our customers, too, but your vendor sounds really good at what they do. I don’t know if you can do any better than that. There doesn’t seem to be much opportunity for us to work together here, is there?”

    • Positive prospects get strip-lines that are just a light tug: “Thanks for reaching out to us. I have to say, your friend Bronwyn gets almost all the credit for having a great experience with us. She was very good about explaining the application problem, and that really helped her have a happy outcome with us. Since I don’t know your application, I’m not sure if I can help you at this point. Could you be nice enough to tell me about it?”

    In all three examples, you’ll find three components. Look at each of them, and you’ll see how strip-line responses are structured.

    1. The first component is a build-up (a compliment or validation of the prospect’s point of view). In the above, an example of that was, “It sounds like you’re very happy.”

    2. The second component is a takeaway (a conclusion that goes in the opposite direction to what the prospect expects). In the above, an example was, “… and I should leave.”

    3. The third component is a question (a continuation of the discussion). In the above, an example was, “Before I go, what do you like about who you’re doing business with now?”

    Looking at the example above for positive prospects, notice the buildup portion of the response validates how well things went “with Bronwyn” and gives most of the credit to her: “Thanks for reaching out to us. I have to say, your friend Bronwyn gets almost all the credit for having a great experience with us. She was very good about explaining the application problem, and that really helped her have a happy outcome with us.”

    The takeaway portion includes words to the effect that you’re not yet convinced you can help the prospect. “Since I don’t know your application, I’m not sure if I can help you as well at this point.”

    The third part, the question, is pretty obvious; you ask a question to start to understand the application, the problem, and ultimately the prospect’s pain: “Could you be nice enough to tell me about it?”

    When you strip-line a prospect using all three components of the technique, you are likeliest to uncover the most meaningful information. You now know what a good fit looks like. What does a bad fit look like? Let’s say a prospect calls your office and says, “I’ve heard really good things about your company. A friend of mine, Bronwyn, told me all about you, and I’m very interested in doing business with you.” Obviously, that’s a positive prospect. It wouldn’t be appropriate for you to do a hard strip-line since the prospect is almost ready to buy. Saying to the prospect, “You must have used some other vendors in our space. Why wouldn’t you want to use them now?” will not only confuse the prospect, but would probably ruin the sale. So that’s a bad fit. Instead, you’d want to use the approach I shared with you above, the one that begins “Thanks for reaching out.”

    Sometimes the prospect says something that more or less does the buildup for you. In that case, you don’t need to do it, but you still need to do the takeaway and pose the question. For example if the prospect says, “I heard really good things about your company,” you could strip-line by saying, “That’s nice to hear, but we’re not for everyone. Would you like to tell me why you thought it might have been a good idea to call, and hopefully we find out that we’re a good fit”?

    In summary: Strip-line very hard with neutral pros-pects, even sounding like you are getting ready to leave the sales call or implying that you think the sales call is over; strip- line hard with negative prospects; strip-line lightly with positive prospects.

    Strip-lining is a great way to uncover pain because it’s extremely disarming and helps build trust. When you do it right, it doesn’t sound like you’re selling. Prospects feel like you truly embrace and care about their goals and pain. (As, of course, you do!) If you don’t uncover pain with strip-lining, then perhaps that particular prospect doesn’t have enough pain to do business with you. Strip-lining combined with other pain-finding Sandler approaches will put you in a different league from all those other salespeople who traditionally start with the hard sell, list off features and benefits, and offer prospects free quotes.

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    Source by Greg Nanigian

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  • Why Healing Requires Integrating Our Unconscious Experiences Into The Wholeness Of Our Being

    Why Healing Requires Integrating Our Unconscious Experiences Into The Wholeness Of Our Being

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    Nurture The Deepest Part Of Your Core Nature

    Healing involves integrating our fragmented parts into the entirety of our being. However, the paradox is: we are not broken but merely disassociated from our wholeness. The term healing denotes restoring what is not functioning as it is intended. When we are caught up in the distorted beliefs about ourselves, it leads to separation or what we consider being broken. In fact, it is merely being separated from the completeness of our true nature. Think in terms of a hologram where the whole is contained in every part. This was an idea espoused by the late theoretical physicist David Bohm who believed the universe is a solid and brilliant hologram. He recognized how each part of our physical reality contained information about the whole. Therefore, our thoughts, emotions, soul and physical body are composed of our soul nature.

    How does this idea appeal to you? Are you comfortable knowing whilst you were born whole and pure, through your beliefs, thoughts and experiences it leads to separation? I'm not suggesting it is entirely your fault because we are all bound to experience this. It is said, while our painful experiences are not our fault, healing the pain is our responsibility. Although there's an element of truth to it, we ought to remember there is nothing to heal other than to attend to our unconscious memories in order to return to wholeness. By attending to these aspects, we integrate our known sense of separateness. Release and Renew is a mantra I often repeat in my writing when I discuss healing and emotions. In doing so, we release that which is not conducive to the present moment. Similarly, we renew our commitment to nurture ourselves by connecting with our core emotions. The integration I speak of is an association with our soul nature, which at its essence is pure, whole and knows nothing of separateness or brokenness. It is the egoic mind which disconnects us from our spiritual self to create two identities ie the darkness and the light.

    How To Heal Your Fragmented Parts

    I am drawn to a passage by the South African author Michael Brown, who writes in The Presence Process : "I dropped my use of the word" heal "because of its connotation that something was wrong and had to be fixed. using the word "integrate," which to me meant there was a part of my experience that was unconscious- a part of my experience that I resisted, controlled, and sedated-which was asking to be incorporated into the whole.Whereas healing felt like I was excluding something from my experience, integration felt like I was embracing everything I experienced . " I believe Brown makes two important points here: we mustn't resist nor control the past, but perceive them as the whole of our life's experience. Second, integration means to embrace or at the very least acknowledge everything that happened to us. Perhaps not right away, but when we are ready to make peace with the past.

    What are your thoughts about this? I realize you may have questions related to your personal experiences. Whilst I am not present to answer them, I assure you trying to make sense of them consciously is a healing process rather than an integration process. It is what author Dr. Mario Martinez means when he writes in The MindBody Code: How to Change the Beliefs that Limit Your Health, Longevity, and Success : "The true agents of change are elevated cognitions and exalted emotions. These agents of change provide sustain transformation; in fact, they have triumphed over the greatest infamies and darkest periods in our human journey. " It does little good to dwell on why the past took place as it did. Instead, we ought to turn the tables and consider the following questions as a basis for self-enquiry. Instead of trying to make sense of the past which keeps us trapped replaying painful memories, we identify how the experiences served us.

    1. How can I use the past to facilitate my greater growth?
    2. In what ways can I use my emotional wounds to bring peace and love to the part of me that is pure and whole?
    3. How can I integrate my sense of separateness into the wholeness of my being?
    4. Whom do I need to become and let go of to achieve this inner state?

    Once we can perceive the pain of the past through the lens of: compassion, forgiveness, peace and love we heal our fragmented parts. It may involve deep exploration into ourselves with or without the guidance of a trained therapist. Considering this, I'd like you to spend the following week journaling your answers to the four questions above. Call it a remote coaching session if you like. Write what comes to mind even if it involves images or symbols. Similarly, pay attention to your dreams via the symbols that appear. Note how you feel within the dream and upon waking. Look for messages in your waking life in the form of people, places and situations that cause you unrest. This is your soul guiding you towards integration. Ultimately, to heal ourselves we must be willing to integrate the pain of the past, so healing happens naturally as nature intended it to.

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    Source by Tony Fahkry

    Views: 0

  • Problems Encountered by Nigerian Entrepreneur and Possible Solutions

    Problems Encountered by Nigerian Entrepreneur and Possible Solutions

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    The success enjoyed by most industrialized countries can be attributed to the role played by technological innovation and entrepreneurship, both of which continue to drive their economies today. These two factors are seen as key components for the industrialization and development of African countries. The Nigerian government has recognized this fact and has taken measures aimed at promoting and cultivating the entrepreneurial culture in our country. Through the Nigerian Investing Commission (NIC), our government has in the past introduced a policy that required university students regardless of their area of study to take courses in entrepreneurship. While our government is putting extra effort in promoting entrepreneurship in Nigeria, there are still a number of problems that a Nigerian Entrepreneur faces. Below are some of the problems encountered and possible solutions.

    * Diversifying the Economy

    Though our country’s economy has over the last couple of decades relied heavily on its oil production, we must find ways to diversify our economy and avoid the over reliance on oil. Like other developing countries, Nigeria is facing an increase in its unemployment rate that is now at 6 % and is on the increase, with many graduates finding it hard to get jobs while most of those who get jobs are underemployed. This coupled with the global financial crisis in which massive numbers of employees are being laid off; entrepreneurship is seen as an essential key if we want our country to achieve its ambition of being an industrialized nation by the year 2020.

    * Unfriendly Business Climate

    Being an entrepreneur in Nigeria requires great determination as practicing and potential business owners are faced with countless challenges. Nigerian’s business climate should be made welcoming to those in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The role played by these MSMEs should not be underestimated since majority of the thriving businesses fall in this category and for us to achieve our goals, adequate attention and support must be directed towards these institutions. To be able to help and protect entrepreneurs, we must first have a clear idea of the challenges facing our entrepreneurs in their pursuit of making Nigeria a prosperous country.

    * Lack of Credit Facilities

    Potential Nigeria entrepreneurs go through many hardships when trying to access credit for their businesses. Though there is a wide range of financial institutions that offer business loans, they usually charge high interest rates deterring aspiring entrepreneurs. For instance, major banks have pegged their lending rates to as much a 28% deterring potential entrepreneurs who are mostly low income earners. Other obstacles faced by our entrepreneurs include severe collateral conditions set by banks and other lending institutions. Though our government through the Central Bank and the Banker’s Committee came up with guidelines requiring banks to set aside 10% of their profits for funding MSMEs, majority of these banks have been reluctant to do so. This has led to the emergence of micro-finance institutions which though helpful are not sufficient for meeting the financial requirements.

    * Multiple Taxation

    One other sensitive challenge that is encountered by majority of Nigerian entrepreneurs is multiple taxation. Although we have a responsibility of funding the government through paying taxes, most of the taxes charged on entrepreneurs are not lawful and have the effect of increasing the cost of doing business. Although Nigeria’s Companies Income Tax Act (CITA) has approved only 39 taxes and levies, there are over 500 various levies and taxes that are imposed by state and local government agents. These taxes are questionable and in the case where they are genuine, they are mostly duplicated and this has the effect of increasing the cost of doing business.

    * Poor State of the Country’s Infrastructure

    The state of our infrastructure can be deemed to be a nightmare to both entrepreneurs and the rest of the country’s population. With the existing infrastructure deteriorating and in some places it is non-existent; the cost of doing business has tremendously gone up. The state of the country’s road network makes it hard for entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector to transport harvested produce from farms to processing factories. According to a report released by the World Bank, Nigeria’s pace of socioeconomic development and growth is way below what we can achieve. This is mostly because of the erratic supply of electricity which has negatively affected many businesses. The outcome of power problems has prompted entrepreneurs to generate power through expensive ways that have in turn increased their production costs and made their products uncompetitive due to high prices. Our government should put policies in place to perk up Nigeria’s infrastructure so as to promote successful entrepreneurship.

    * Failure to Adapt to the Changing Business Environment

    Majority of those who venture into MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) do so because of their need to make money and in almost all cases, such entrepreneurs lack relevant and adequate information about the businesses they engage in. In the event where problems arise, most of these business owners lack sufficient problem solving skills and in the end they find it hard to survive. With the telecommunications sector having grown by about 206.5 % between 2002 and 2004 and is continually expanding, Nigeria has become one of the fastest growing ICT market not only in Africa but also worldwide. This presents a challenge to entrepreneurs who have not embraced technology, and who are now finding it hard to remain relevant in the competitive business environment. For existing and potential MSMEs to survive and be relevant, we must adapt to the changing business environment and embrace technology.

    * Addressing the Challenges

    Solving the problems encountered requires a combined effort by both the entrepreneur and all concerned stakeholders. As Small and medium business owners, we need to increase our knowledge and skills of the market by acquiring relevant and up to date education particularly in your area of business. Our entrepreneurs need to collect information about their target market by seeking help from consultants and professionals who have experience in the particular market.

    One strategy that can be used by our small and medium entrepreneurs to remain relevant and competitive in today’s market is to come up with fresh and creative ideas of doing business. Due to the increase in technology, business is fast changing, thus our MSMEs need to constantly re-invent the way they do business.

    There is a great need of creating a strong link between MSMEs and supporting institutions if Nigeria is to fully benefit from such businesses. Though some financial institutions are still reluctant to provide financial assistance to MSMEs, there are some that give out loans at reasonable rates provided the business sounds viable. The key challenge is for our entrepreneurs to prepare sound business proposals. For our country to achieve its goals and stop relying on oil alone, we need to focus much attention needs on the private sector and our government must create a conducive atmosphere for such businesses to thrive and drive the country towards economic prosperity.

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    Source by Peter O Osalor

    Views: 0

  • Should You Have a Facebook Page As a Network Marketer?

    Should You Have a Facebook Page As a Network Marketer?

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    When you are working to become a network marketing top earner, you may think you need a Facebook page. You see the “big dogs” of network marketing and you see they have Facebook pages but in this article, I am going to talk to you more about whether you should have a Facebook page or not.

    Newsfeed

    Do you notice in the newsfeed that you do not see many Facebook pages updates unless they are sponsored? This is because Facebook wants businesses to pay to promote their content. This means whenever you post on your page, you are not going to get “organic” reach on your posts.

    If you want people to see them, you need to pay.

    Unless you want to create generate content for other network marketers and do coaching, it is perfectly fine to continue using your Facebook profile and not have a page.

    Not Easy to Duplicate

    Your team may find it difficult to run so many pages and keep up with everything, so it is difficult to duplicate. When you are working in network marketing, you want to keep it as simple as possible. Just having a profile to post to keeps things simple and your team will be able to do that without a lot of difficulties.

    Conclusion

    As you can see, it is a good idea to keep things simple and most of the time you do not want to create a Facebook page. If you must do it, make sure it is for good reasons and not just because someone else is doing it.

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    Source by Jessica Lauren Vine

    Views: 0

  • Start Healing Your Grief & Sorrow

    Start Healing Your Grief & Sorrow

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    How do you start healing your grief and sorrow? What brings you joy when grief is your circumstance?

    “What are the proper grounds for joy? Is it circumstance which will determine the stature of my spirit?

    Ah, no. It is choice. It is always a choice – in the face of any event – for joy.”

    ~ Mary Anne Radmacher

    There are three steps you can choose to follow to start healing and find more joy:

    1-Make A Healing Choice

    Trying to Handle your tremendous grief and loss may result in a great deficiency in clarity, hope and joy. Many solutions may have passed through your mind. Also, you may have cried out to God. In due course you might have heard from Him. The message you could have received was: “I am not wanting to harm or punish you – but to help you.” God is just but sometimes men and life are unjust. Human unhappiness is ordinary life in its natural course. Each grieving experience is personal and unique. Do you want hope, happiness and wholeness again? If you do, you have a responsibility to keep going and try to find essential solutions to stop grieving and start healing. Otherwise grief is lasting, not reconciled and your life remains not rehabilitated forever. Forever is a long time!

    “You do have a power over your body, your life, your future. Call it prayer, spiritual healing, intention, or law of attraction, the power is there for you to access.” ~ Posted by Jonathan Huie

    Undiscovered, often never used before, perhaps not ever needed before now, is an inner power for which you can dig deeply of critical personal empowerment.

    “Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to the body and soul.”

    ~ John Muir

    Honor who you are. Gather strength from life’s thunder clouds. Dissolve grief sorrow and loss struggles one by one. Embrace and seek solitude in the arms of the spirit. How you face the trials of life is always a choice.

    2-Choose A Life Like A Box Of Chocolates

    “The movie character Forrest Gump describing life as being “like a box of chocolates,” is such a positive upbeat way of characterizing the uncertainty of life. I have no idea what life will give me next, but whatever it is, it will be sweet.”

    ~ the movie Forrest Gump

    Especially during times of immense grieving, you need to be alert and notice what you want might sneak in your back door unobserved.

    “Faith means living with uncertainty – feeling your way through life, letting your heart guide you like a lantern in the dark.”

    ~ Dan Millman

    Personally, I prefer dark chocolate with pecans in my box of life’s challenging uncertain journey. Looking for the sweetness in your healing uncertainty and letting your heart of hope be your lantern in the dark is essential.

    3-You Must Do

    “You must do the things you think you cannot do.”

    – Eleanor Roosevelt

    After you think you have done all you can do to stop grieving and start healing there is always more you can do. You must hunger for new beneficial solutions. Think about it – have you hungered and thirsted after key healing steps?

    “Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish into air.”

    ~ John Quincy Adams

    As you push forward with mighty thrusts of healing energy your abilities to reconcile your grief and loss will be enhanced greatly.

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    Source by Duane Marchant

    Views: 0

  • What Is an Aesthetic Doctor?

    What Is an Aesthetic Doctor?

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    Just about everyone knows what Botox and laser hair removal is today, but many do not yet know the term “aesthetic doctor.” This is a bit ironic, since aesthetic doctors are the most likely providers of services such as Botox and laser hair removal. When you see an aesthetic doctor you are seeing a well trained medical professional who specializes in minimally invasive procedures that help patients preserve their youthful appearances. They can also provide services to those with minor skin and medical problems, such as severe acne or burns.

    Aesthetic Procedures for the Face

    An aesthetic doctor can take care of your face, whether you are in your twenties and concerned about future signs of aging or are already experiencing lines and wrinkles. From simple injection procedures like Botox to more advanced procedures using laser devices, the goal is to keep the face fresh and youthful with well moisturized, beautiful skin.

    It is commonly believed that only women go in for these procedures, but they are becoming extremely popular with men as well. Men experience lines, wrinkles and sagging skin just like women, so it only makes sense that they would want to preserve their youthful appearances as well.

    Some facial aesthetic procedures may also be used for pigmentation problems, acne, scarring, and other more serious problems on the skin. It is not all about appearances alone.

    Aesthetic Procedures for the Body

    Procedures performed below the face are typically designed to rejuvenate or contour a problem area. For example, someone may go in for filler rejuvenation on the breasts or buttocks while another goes in for hand rejuvenation. Anything that is bothering you about your body below the neck can probably be treated by a qualified aesthetic doctor.

    Aesthetic Procedures for Hair

    Hair transplants, hair restoration services, and laser hair removal can all be performed by a trained aesthetic doctor. These services can be for convenience sake, such as going through hair removal services. They can also be offered for those with thinning hair, either caused by natural aging or illness. These services have to be provided through a well trained professional so more damage is not done than good.

    Other Services Provided by Aesthetic Doctors

    Some aesthetic doctors also offer ongoing programs that combine unique supplements, aesthetic procedures, creams, lotions, and other products developed or promoted by a given doctor. Not all doctors will offer these services, but the best ones will have at least some programs for those with specific needs.

    It must be noted that an aesthetic doctor is not the same as someone who gives Botox treatments at a spa or who can be hired for cheap prices to come to your next party. An aesthetic doctor is well trained and will offer a wider variety of services in a safe, medically sound environment. They are more trustworthy than other providers offering very basic services with little experience and training.

    If you want to see an aesthetic doctor, it should always start with a basic consultation. The doctor must look at your skin or other areas of your body in question and determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific condition. You may have an idea of what aesthetic procedure you want to have, but your doctor may have another procedure that could work even better.

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    Source by Stephanie Zhang

    Views: 0

  • Valentines Are Healing In So Many Ways

    Valentines Are Healing In So Many Ways

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    As a child it was loads of fun to make Valentines for each member of my class. Valentines are healing in so many ways. I felt the good feeling of making something for someone else.

    Looking back on the time, I realize now, Mom was probably just finding projects to keep me and my three sisters busy for a couple of afternoons. We cut and pasted, trimmed and folded. I loved the color pink, so it didn't surprise anyone when all my valentines had more pink on them and that I kinda 'dominated the pink crayon out of the set of crayons us sisters shared.

    Mom was careful to have us take a break with hot chocolate and marshmallows out on the porch so we didn't muss up our Valentines and, so we wouldn't get too weary before our mission was accomplished. It was an exciting time of the school year.

    Being the youngest of the four, Mom helped my valentines "just a little" so they would be presentable. We lived on a simple budget, so the one package of store bought Valentines purchased had to be shared out between us. Also bought was a box of Valentine candies and we carefully put one candy in each Valentine. I had four store Valentines and twenty-two homemade Valentines when I set out for school the morning of Valentine's Day.

    Of course, my teacher would get a store bought Valentine and I had made the biggest homemade one for her too. Then there was my two best friends, Elaine and Joanna. I had made them a homemade Valentine plus a store Valentine. I had one store Valentine left and I couldn't think of one more person to give it to. It was so special.

    My teacher had set aside the afternoon for exchanging Valentines. It was difficult for us all to think of school work when so much was going to happen that day. All morning I looked around the room to see someone who would get my last special store Valentine. I talked it over with my two friends and they made suggestions too, but the ones they suggested were more their friends and I was a "tag-along."

    Then exchange time came and the energy level of the classroom escalated to a high roar. Notes flying around the room and everyone smiling. I got twenty-four Valentines. Most my Valentines had a candy in them too, so I thought I had a pretty good trade around. Valentines are healing in so many ways and I knew I had many friends.

    Through all the excitement, I clear forgot about my last special store Valentine. As I walked from the bus to home, I remembered it. As I rounded the last corner, there was Daddy's car parked in the driveway. The love swelled inside me and I had such a good idea. I ran into the house, got the crayons and paper out.

    I made one more Valentine. A big one with lots of pink on it because I knew Mom liked pink too. That was probably where I got the idea to have it be my color. I wrote "I Love You" on the back of both Valentines. Then I gave the one store Valentine to Daddy and the homemade Valentine to Mom.

    They were so surprised and Daddy grabbed me up into his arms and told me he never had such a sweet little "Milly" in his life. I knew I was special. It was the first dawning on my little heart that I was born to my "Best Friends."

    Now I am older, I still remember the good times we had around Valentine's Day. My friends from first grade I have lost track of, but the memories of the love I felt from my parents will last forever. Valentines are healing in so many ways. Valentine's Day is one more opportunity to heal a heart by saying the three words, "I Love You."

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    Source by Milly Barlow

    Views: 0