Disclaimer: I apologize for the earworm you may endure as a result of this blog post. Proceed with caution. 😉

Have you ever met someone and been pleasantly surprised to discover an unlikely connection between the two of you? It could have been due to a mutual acquaintance (How do you know so-and-so?). Or someone seeing your maiden name on Facebook and realizing you were friends at summer camp years ago? Or you may notice someone in line at Disney World wearing a t-shirt in support of your favorite football team. For those of us who love the Philadelphia Eagles, a simple “Go Birds!” shout across the crowd can turn into an entire conversation. And what do you say when you have these encounters? Wow! Small world!

This has happened to me on several random occasions, like:

• The woman I started physical therapy with who belongs to my synagogue. (In Judaism, we refer to this “Jewish geography.”)
• Someone in my writing workshop who also has a close family member with Parkinson’s Disease.
• The experienced traveler sitting next to me on a long flight offering words of reassurance because I hate turbulence.
• A stranger who approaches me in the mall, introduces herself, and reminds me that we briefly met at a networking event.
• The frustrated lady at the DMV who I decided to strike up a conversation with because I forgot to bring a book with me. I needed a way to pass the time and she was equally annoyed because no one knows WTH they are doing in that place!  🤬

Sorry…I digress.

The beauty of these encounters is that you meet all kinds of people from different backgrounds and cultures. Nowadays, there are people who appear to be afraid of these interactions. Many leaders in our current administration want to push people away instead of welcoming them and their differences with open arms. With all of the political strife happening in the world today, I crave the kindness of strangers and their willingness to share their stories.

As some of you may know, my favorite ride at Disney World as a kid was “It’s a Small World .” When I was little, I loved cruising through scenic rooms and watching the dancing dolls dressed in traditional costumes sing the same iconic song. I drove my family crazy asking to ride it over and over again. This past May, I boarded the boat and enjoyed the same ride, but secretly wished the rooms weren’t so segregated. Each one represents different continents and the animatronic animals and landmarks that are found there. But how nice would it be to sail into a room that celebrates all of the world’s diversity?

As far as I know, Disney has no current plans (or desire) to update the ride in this way, and that’s okay because they did something even more magical instead.

It was recently announced that the ride’s finale would play a new verse of the song. The son of the original songwriter, Richard Sherman, said the new verse is “intended to celebrate that there’s more that unites us than divides us.” To me, including this beautiful verse serves as a reminder that music is a universal language that can evoke the connection we may be seeking.

Here are the words in the final verse. Feel free to sing along with me.

Mother Earth unites us in heart and mind
And the love we give makes us humankind
Through our vast, wondrous land
When we stand hand in hand
It’s a small world after all.

XO,
Elisa

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“Lasting net worth comes only when you have a healthy and strong sense of self-worth.” – Suze Orman, personal finance expert. 

When I launched my freelance marketing business a year and a half ago, I struggled with how much money to charge my clients. I did the research to see what the going rate was, and I asked others in my field how they structured their fees. Some people gave me the exact amount, and others provided a price range. I was happy with whatever information they were willing to share.

I also took into consideration my 30+ years of work experience, along with the professional development hours I’ve acquired since college. Between the books and articles I’ve read, the podcasts I’ve listened to, the marketing workshops and industry conferences I’ve attended, and the certifications I’ve amassed over time, I should have an MBA by now.

All of this homework led me to a number I was comfortable charging; however, some well-meaning, trusted friends told me it was too much. I didn’t think so, but because I was starting out as an unknown entity and needed clients, I took their advice and lowered my hourly rate by $15. Clients started to come in, and I was living the dream of running my own business.

The first financial goal I set for myself was to pay our mortgage every month. I’m proud to say that, except for a few slow months, I have reached that milestone. But once I take into account how much it costs to run my business, my net number is, shall we say, undesirable. Even by considerably lowering my expenses and sacrificing tools I know would support my work life, I’m coming up short of my next goal, to pay myself a salary.

Cue up the existential financial questions. Am I worth more than what I’m making? Will clients still want to work with me? Am I allowed to take some risks? How do I balance personal freedom with financial security? Should I just be happy with whatever comes my way?

And how about the things I still want to accomplish in my life. I want to travel to Europe again.  There are also projects around the house to complete and enjoy while we still live here. And I want my kids to have beautiful weddings, if they so desire, and spoil future grandchildren (should I be blessed with them) and support all of their dreams.

And let’s face it…I have a book-buying habit that needs constant funding, and a coffee addiction that won’t pay for itself. The list is ongoing, and I’m not getting any younger.

On top of all of this, I think about how expensive everyday life has become. Groceries cost more. Buying clothes at my age means shopping at boutiques and online because the stores at the mall cater to a much younger generation. And, G-d knows how tariffs will affect the cost of everything along with maintaining the lifestyle my husband and I have already worked so hard to achieve.

Here’s my bottom line: It’s time to raise my rates for future clients and those who have been with me for over a year. I will honor my self-worth, my hard work, and my dreams. I want a steady income I can be proud of, and it’s a risk I’m willing to take.

Do you own a small business? Have you struggled with what to charge your clients? What dreams are you still working toward and what will you do to fulfill them? How will you embrace Suze’s advice for all of us?

XO,

Elisa

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This summer seems to be particularly hot. The temps in my area have been in the mid to upper 90s, and stepping outside, even briefly, is like walking into a sauna. Here are five things keeping me cool (and sane) in this brutal weather.

#5 – My patio awning – A few years ago, we redid our back patio and deck. My mom asked me if we were going to get an awning over the patio. She strongly suggested we get one because it could get hot on the patio, and we will want some shade. At first, we didn’t think it was necessary. After spending all the money to excavate the old concrete slab and install a new patio, along with building the deck and outdoor furniture, we didn’t feel the need to spend more.

It took us about 15 minutes of sitting outside on the patio to realize that she was absolutely right. We needed an awning. The sun was beating down on us and we were melting. Honestly, it was the best thing we ever bought. It creates an outdoor living space and much needed shade, and it looks beautiful. Don’t you think?

#4 Air-conditioning -There is no such thing as “too cold in here” in the summer. In my car, the A/C is on full blast. When I’m at someone’s house, I’ll take frequent breaks to use the bathroom, not because I have to go, but as an excuse to cool off indoors. On one sweltering day, I had a meeting to attend at an office that had one portable unit in the window. Oof! At one point, I stood right in front of it and let the light breeze do what it could. I didn’t want to break away from my new best friend, but unfortunately, the conference table was next to the front door. I wasn’t on my game that day, but I did my best, and no one seemed to notice.

#3 All Body Deodorant – When I was younger, deodorant was for your armpits and nothing else. Years later, a genius in the beauty industry developed a deodorant that can be applied to the entire body. I am truly grateful for their contribution. This silky lotion is perfect for all your sweaty areas, and it works like a charm. For those of us who deal with hot flashes, it’s a game-changer and a godsend. (It’s also a little pricey, but totally worth it!)

#2  Soma’s Seamless Sports Bra – For my trip to Florida this spring, I wanted a lightweight, comfortable bra. Most sports bras I’ve owned are too tight, and the red marks left by the straps last for days. However, I found this sports bra, which not only supports the “girls” but is also breathable. This was thanks to something they call “wicking” to keep the sweat and smell away from my body.

And the #1 thing that is keeping me cool this summer…FANS!

Besides the ceiling fans and the two tower fans in the bedroom and my office, I have a personal neck fan. Two of them, actually. One is constantly charging, and the other is around my neck!

Last summer, I wore them mainly when I knew I’d be outdoors for long periods of time. This year, I’ve seen even more people wearing them this summer, and like me, they are smiling through this unbearable heat. We aren’t grouchy or miserable because we have our personal fans on the highest setting to keep us cool.

I must give kudos and honorable mentions to iced coffees, Rita’s water ice, and ice cream which are also making my life a little easier over the summer.

Have you tried any of these products? What is keeping you cool this summer?

XO,
Elisa

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