This post is a result of the thoughts I’ve been having regarding my mission statement. When I created this blog 17 months ago, I was at a different place.

I was a woman in the male-dominated world of technology, programming, and Software Engineering. I was also subscribed to the mindset that the only way to have an equal world was to have more girl power.

I was reading books like Why Women Should Rule the World, Women Don’t Ask, Hardball for Women, and Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office. I still recommend these books if they call out to you. I’m just in a totally different mindset than I was even a few months ago.

No More Gender Divide

What I am trying to say with all of this is that I’m dropping my emphasis on gender. There is no “competition” between men and women, to see who gets the most titles, the most money, or the best jobs.

Both men and women need the information I have to offer, and I don’t want the word “female” or “woman” to be stopping men from benefiting too.

Recently I’ve been thinking more about the repercussions of focusing on empowering women. I’ve come to realize that gender is a divider just like race, religion, sexuality, age, or politics. It’s not about girl power, it’s about people power and connection.

It’s not important what package you came in. It’s important that you are ready to receive the knowledge that I want to share.

That’s why I’m putting Billionaire Woman on hiatus.

I don’t want to keep propagating this division of men and women. I want to help everyone, and the best way for me to do that at this moment is to focus on my Raw Food focusiness (aka business).

Pruning Is Necessary

I looked at myself as if I were a plant with many leaves (projects) reaching for the sun’s energy. There were too many leaves for the sun to energize, so I knew it was time to prune.

I chose to prune Billionaire Woman so I can focus on my health and wellness mission, but just like when you prune a plant - it flourishes in new and exciting ways!

I’m hosting a free teleclass on Thursday May 28th, 2009 called Flip The Raw Food Switch, and I want you to join me. (If you’re reading this and the class is already over, check out the blog instead!)

I don’t know for how long I’m going to keep this blog on hiatus, but I want to give everyone here a big hug and say thank you for supporting me these past 17 months.

If you want to keep in touch with my progress, you’ll want to subscribe to my Holistic Living publication called The Cue.

I hope you have an awesome summer! I love you all so much.

In Abundance, Fulfillment, and Health,

Nathalie Lussier]]>
Photo by Gabriela Camerotti

This post is a result of the thoughts I’ve been having regarding my mission statement. When I created this blog 17 months ago, I was at a different place.

I was a woman in the male-dominated world of technology, programming, and Software Engineering. I was also subscribed to the mindset that the only way to have an equal world was to have more girl power.

I was reading books like Why Women Should Rule the World, Women Don’t Ask, Hardball for Women, and Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office. I still recommend these books if they call out to you. I’m just in a totally different mindset than I was even a few months ago.

No More Gender Divide

What I am trying to say with all of this is that I’m dropping my emphasis on gender. There is no “competition” between men and women, to see who gets the most titles, the most money, or the best jobs.

Both men and women need the information I have to offer, and I don’t want the word “female” or “woman” to be stopping men from benefiting too.

Recently I’ve been thinking more about the repercussions of focusing on empowering women. I’ve come to realize that gender is a divider just like race, religion, sexuality, age, or politics. It’s not about girl power, it’s about people power and connection.

It’s not important what package you came in. It’s important that you are ready to receive the knowledge that I want to share.

That’s why I’m putting Billionaire Woman on hiatus.

I don’t want to keep propagating this division of men and women. I want to help everyone, and the best way for me to do that at this moment is to focus on my Raw Food focusiness (aka business).

Pruning Is Necessary

I looked at myself as if I were a plant with many leaves (projects) reaching for the sun’s energy. There were too many leaves for the sun to energize, so I knew it was time to prune.

I chose to prune Billionaire Woman so I can focus on my health and wellness mission, but just like when you prune a plant – it flourishes in new and exciting ways!

I’m hosting a free teleclass on Thursday May 28th, 2009 called Flip The Raw Food Switch, and I want you to join me. (If you’re reading this and the class is already over, check out the blog instead!)

I don’t know for how long I’m going to keep this blog on hiatus, but I want to give everyone here a big hug and say thank you for supporting me these past 17 months.

If you want to keep in touch with my progress, you’ll want to subscribe to my Holistic Living publication called The Cue.

I promise to never sell, rent, trade, or share your e-mail with any other organization.

I hope you have an awesome summer! I love you all so much.

In Abundance, Fulfillment, and Health,

Nathalie Lussier

Free Book: If you haven’t done so already, download your free copy of the How to Become a Billionaire ebook here.

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This Monday I am Grateful For...

1. Martial Arts

2. Synchronicities

3. Jobs, Apartments, Life stuff

4. Designing Things

5. Unlimited Ideas

What Are You Grateful For This Week?

From Shy Scrawny Kid to Confident Black Belt

It's Not What Others Think of You

Photo by Peter D.

All Of This To Say...

If I don’t make gratitude into a ritual, then it’s just going to get skipped over for something more “urgent”.

So I’ve created a tradition here at Billionaire Woman, where I share a few things I’m grateful for every Monday. And you get to join in the fun and share what you’re grateful for in the comments! (Only if it’s something you want to do, because we have enough “shoulds” already.)

This Monday I am Grateful For…

1. My Mother & Grandmother

And really mothers everywhere! I am so grateful for everything my mother has done for me, and in turn everything my grandmother has done for my mother. It’s like a beautiful chain of gratitude, and what better time than Mother’s Day to say thank you?

2. Baby Showers

Saturday my family held a baby shower for a cousin of mine in Vermont. It was so good to see everyone from my extended family, most of which drove many hours to be there.

We enjoyed catching up, and I was especially grateful to see so many kids running around. Even though having kids is still a little far off for me, seeing these kids gives me a little glimpse of the future.

3. Baby Plants Growing

It has been raining for the past week, and this in turn has given all of my plants an extra growth spurt! I have all kinds of beautiful things growing outside now: radishes, beets, swiss chard, onions, kale, and spinach!

I am so grateful when I watch the little leaves sprouting out of the earth!

4. You! (Read: Not baby related)

If you’re reading this: thank you, I am so grateful! On Saturday/Sunday I wrote about my business fears, and everyone was so supportive and encouraging.

Thank you Deveena, Sunshine, Positively Present, Daphne, Andrea, Carla, Lance, and Henri (blog coming soon, right Henri? ;)). Your support means a lot to me!

5. Baby Steps

I’m figuring things out. I’m putting one foot in front of the other, figuratively speaking. Starting a business is a lot like learning to walk. First you drag yourself, then you learn to crawl, you hold onto something and find your balance, then one day you just get up and walk.

I’m so grateful that it is not expected that I will know how to run with my business before I can crawl.

What Are You Grateful For This Week?

Now it’s your chance to let us know what you’re grateful for this week. Nothing is too big or too small, you can be grateful for your sleeping kitten or your earplugs!

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I have a confession to make: I’m scared.

I’m scared that I’m spending too much money “getting my business set up”. Seriously, buying a new computer, investing in DVDs, programs, books, coaches, web site tools, and merchant services. It starts adding up.

I’m scared that my business is totally going to flop and I’m going to have to return to some of my previous employers and beg for my job back.

I’m scared that people are going to hate my work, and what I’m putting out into the world.

I’m scared that the people from my past are going to judge me for my decision to work in a field that is not the one I studied.

I’m scared that people won’t take me seriously because of my age. (Yes, I know, I wrote about that before. Still doesn’t make the fear go away!)

I’m scared that I might actually turn my business into a roaring success, but that my friends and family will resent it.

So like I said, I’m scared, and I’m experiencing that debilitating fear that stops a lot of people from moving forward when they start a business.

Here Comes The Part Where I Get All Personal Development On Myself

I’ve often heard that starting a business (aka focusiness) is the best way to personal growth. A lot of our “stuff” comes up. Fear, self-confidence, what other people think about us. All I can say is “ugh!”

I know all of the theories:

• A jet uses a larger percentage of fuel just to take off than it does to glide. Similarly, a business requires the most energy and push in the take-off part.
• 4 Out of 5 Businesses fail because the 4 business owners were chatting together and complaining about their lack of success.
• The first year of business is all about promoting yourself, not so much about your product or service.

But does that really help relieve the fear? A little, I suppose.

Changes at Billionaire Woman

With all of this shuffling around happening in my business and my life, it’s inevitable that there will also be changes here at Billionaire Woman.

Don’t worry, this blog is going to stay right where it is. I might be adding a podcast discussing some of the books I think you might find interesting.

I’ve also launched a new super secret weekly email publication called “The Cue“, which you can sign up for free as a Billionaire Woman reader. If you enjoy Billionaire Woman, you’ll definitely like these exclusive holistic lifestyle tips, not published anywhere else!

You’ll also get discounts on all of my upcoming products if you’re a The Cue member.

If I don’t make gratitude into a ritual, then it’s just going to get skipped over for something more “urgent”.

So I’ve created a tradition here at Billionaire Woman, where I share a few things I’m grateful for every Monday. And you get to join in the fun and share what you’re grateful for in the comments! (Only if it’s something you want to do, because we have enough “shoulds” already.)

This Monday I am Grateful For…

1. A New Hospital Room For My Grandfather

2. Face Offs!

3. A New Computer

4. Juicing

5. A Sound Sleep Cycle

What Are You Grateful For This Week?

I’ve been back home for almost 3 months now, and I’m really grateful for my family and to be able to spend time in my hometown. Little did I know that the room I would be staying in had bad FengShui.

Although I am into a lot of woo-woo spiritual type of stuff, FengShui wasn’t something I particularly believed in…

Until water from the upstairs toilet started dripping on my bed.

The Room Story

Good Feng

In the Chinese language the word Feng represents air. My room has good airflow: it actually has two doors in opposite corners. So I’m pretty sure that it wasn’t the Feng that was bad.

Bad Shui

In the Chinese language Shui represents water. Since there was water leaking from the ceiling, and I know the upstairs bathroom is above my room, I was pretty freaked out when water started pouring down.

The Solution: New Pipes, and a New Furniture Arrangement

After we noticed that there was water leaking from the ceiling, we decided to rearrange the room. Initially the water was pouring onto the foot on my bed, so you can imagine what that was like.

After removing all the furniture in the room, and placing the bed in a totally different location, we were able to secure an area to put buckets to catch the water.

The water wasn’t constantly leaking. As it turned out, a corner pipe had broken, causing the leak.

Now the pipes are fixed, the ceiling has been patched and repainted. Life is good again, and my bed is now in a more “FengShui” position.

After the Falling Apart

While all of this was happening, I was getting more nervous about my room, which also doubled as my office. That’s what got me looking for my new office.

As I mentioned in my post about setting boundaries and making space, I am in love with my new super productive office! It’s just one of those times when everything gets worse before it gets better.

The Computer Story

My Wonderful Laptop

I’ve had my MacBook laptop for 3 years, and I love it to bits. It has traveled all over the world with me, starting in New York City. If it had its own passport it would look a little something like this:

• England
• Italy
• United States
• Canada
• China
• Hong Kong
• Singapore
• Korea

So you can imagine my chagrin when I started noticing some subpar behavior. My laptop’s wireless became erratic, and I thought it was the wireless network’s fault. Now I’ve realized it’s the laptop itself.

A Case of Be Careful What You Ask For

A few weeks ago I was helping my grand mother with some computer stuff, and I mentioned that I would love to have a big screen like her iMac has.

I was planning to buy a new computer eventually, and my main indicator would be “when I got more money.” Well the day that I realized what was wrong with my laptop I received a significant check. Talk about being careful what you ask for.

Thanks for the message Universe, I got it!

Transitioning To a Bigger Picture

I agonized over whether or not I should buy a new computer, but only for about 30 minutes. I knew it was time to upgrade, and I knew I had the money to pay for it.

I really think that I was trying to stay small by avoiding this step forward.

Finally, I purchased a new iMac with double the RAM and double the hard drive space. That way I will have space to grow into it.

Seeing The Other Side of The Storm

When everything seems to be going wrong in your life, you know that you’re doing something right.

Carole Dore says that the only way for you to experience all the new things you want in your life, you need to get rid of the things that are limiting you in your current environment.

Well Universe, I’m ready - bring it on!

**Have you ever experienced this type of falling apart, and how did things turn out in the end?

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If I don’t make gratitude into a ritual, then it’s just going to get skipped over for something more “urgent”.

So I’ve created a tradition here at Billionaire Woman, where I share a few things I’m grateful for every Monday. And you get to join in the fun and share what you’re grateful for in the comments! (Only if it’s something you want to do, because we have enough “shoulds” already.)

This Monday I am Grateful For…

1. Good Friends

This past Wednesday I left with my good friend and Master Tae Kwon Do instructor, and together with her father and friend, we drove to Toronto. They were visiting family in the Niagara region, and I was able to visit my boyfriend in Toronto.

It felt so good to spend time with him again! We also both went out with our own group of friends. I got some girl time with a good friend from University. I am just so grateful for my amazing friends!

2. Sprouts!

After getting back from my trip, I was pleased to notice that the seeds I had planted were now sprouting! I planted some radishes outside and the leaves are all peeking through the ground.

I had also planted some cabbage, broccoli, butter lettuce, and romaine lettuce inside. In such a short time they are already all out of the ground, saying hello to the world.

3. Warm Weather

It feels like summer here in the province of Quebec, Canada. I went for a short walk last night around 7pm, and the atmosphere was so calm, relaxed, and full of the possibilities of spring! I love it!

4. Every Day Is Earth Day

Last Wednesday was Earth Day, and although I was undertaking a whole day trip to another city, I still felt good about my choices. Like Heidi highlighted on Raw Food Right Now, the choices we make every single day are more important than just changing your habits for one day.

I eat raw food, and that is one of the big ways in which I reduce my footprint on this beautiful planet of ours.

5. French Canadian Songs on The Radio

On the way back to Quebec, we flipped to a French radio station. I usually pride myself on listening to American music, or at least alternative American music. But there was something about the trip, and the people I was traveling with, that the Quebecois songs really stuck with me.

I am grateful to be able to relate with my Quebec background, despite having a different worldview from most Quebecers. (I went to University in Ontario, and that’s saying something!) I love Canada.

What Are You Grateful For This Week?

Now it’s your chance to let us know what you’re grateful for this week. Nothing is too big or too small, you can be grateful for your great smile or your snoring cat!
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If I don’t make gratitude into a ritual, then it’s just going to get skipped over for something more “urgent”.

So I’ve created a tradition here at Billionaire Woman, where I share a few things I’m grateful for every Monday. And you get to join in the fun and share what you’re grateful for in the comments! (Only if it’s something you want to do, because we have enough “shoulds” already.)

This Monday I am Grateful For…

1. Good Friends

This past Wednesday I left with my good friend and Master Tae Kwon Do instructor, and together with her father and friend, we drove to Toronto. They were visiting family in the Niagara region, and I was able to visit my boyfriend in Toronto.

It felt so good to spend time with him again! We also both went out with our own group of friends. I got some girl time with a good friend from University. I am just so grateful for my amazing friends!

2. Sprouts!

After getting back from my trip, I was pleased to notice that the seeds I had planted were now sprouting! I planted some radishes outside and the leaves are all peeking through the ground.

I had also planted some cabbage, broccoli, butter lettuce, and romaine lettuce inside. In such a short time they are already all out of the ground, saying hello to the world.

3. Warm Weather

It feels like summer here in the province of Quebec, Canada. I went for a short walk last night around 7pm, and the atmosphere was so calm, relaxed, and full of the possibilities of spring! I love it!

4. Every Day Is Earth Day

Last Wednesday was Earth Day, and although I was undertaking a whole day trip to another city, I still felt good about my choices. Like Heidi highlighted on Raw Food Right Now, the choices we make every single day are more important than just changing your habits for one day.

I eat raw food, and that is one of the big ways in which I reduce my footprint on this beautiful planet of ours.

5. French Canadian Songs on The Radio

On the way back to Quebec, we flipped to a French radio station. I usually pride myself on listening to American music, or at least alternative American music. But there was something about the trip, and the people I was traveling with, that the Quebecois songs really stuck with me.

I am grateful to be able to relate with my Quebec background, despite having a different worldview from most Quebecers. (I went to University in Ontario, and that’s saying something!) I love Canada.

What Are You Grateful For This Week?

Now it’s your chance to let us know what you’re grateful for this week. Nothing is too big or too small, you can be grateful for your great smile or your snoring cat!

Free Book: If you haven’t done so already, download your free copy of the How to Become a Billionaire ebook here.

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This Monday I am Grateful For...

1. My New Sunshine Office

2. Being Offered a Trip To Toronto

3. Being Invited To a Radio Show

4. Spring! Gardening, Flowers, oh my!

5. Winning The Money Tree Contest

What Are You Grateful For This Week?

This week was interesting for me, because it was all about moving into a place that’s right for me. I moved my home office into a new room, in my grandmother’s house.

Interestingly, a good friend of mine was scheduled to move into a new office of her own, at her company in another city. I thought it was interesting that both of our moves should coincide, and the only thing I could think of was that we were both Virgos.

I know what you’re thinking, “Oh no! Not astrology and horoscopes!” But I assure you, that what I learned by checking out my horoscope was quite insightful.

Setting Boundaries

The first thing that I learned through my horoscope was that I am figuring out my boundaries. I’m still learning to say no to things that don’t fit with my overall plan and mission.

I got really clear, and found my focus again, about what it is I am trying to accomplish.

This week I figured out that there are certain types of work that I am more than willing to take on, since it furthers my overall mission. Likewise, there are certain things that I will no longer be doing.

There are always others whose mission it is to help in the areas that we aren’t focusing on. It took me awhile to recognize that.

Mostly I will be saying no to seemingly small projects that people ask me to do, because they think I need paying work.

I noticed that these requests happen a lot when people don’t see the results of your work, or don’t see you going to an office. They think it means you need projects, or to have your time filled with errands and assignments.

In reality, all of these side projects were really robbing me of the energy I needed to put into really building my focusiness (aka business).

So the next time I hear something like… “Oh, you do computer related stuff! I have computer related stuff that needs doing, you should do it for me.”

I will know that my answer is a firm, but kind, “No, thanks.”

Photo by Joe Sullivan

Making Space: My Ideal Office

Originally my home office was in the corner of my bedroom. Because my father also works out of our home, there were constant distractions from phone calls, customers, and visitors.

At the beginning of February I decided to move my office into the vacant part of my grand parents’ home. Unfortunately, I require internet access to do most of my work, so I tended to stay in my room and work through the distractions at home.

This week I got myself organized, bought a wireless router, and set up internet for my office. I also moved my office from the downstairs storage location, to an upstairs room, which is more quiet and has many of the advantages outlined below.

1. Quiet

My new office is on the second story, in the empty half of a duplex. The quietness gives me the mental space I need to think things through, plan better, and write more quickly.

2. A Door You Can Close

The room I’ve chosen as my office was intended to be a bedroom, and has a door I can close! My own bedroom has an antique glass mosaic door, that doesn’t give me that sense of privacy or quiet.

In a way, the door and the separate building, act as concrete boundaries that I’ve set up to ensure I have the space I need to work.

3. Lots of Light

My new office has two great windows, one facing the morning sun, and the other the setting sun. I’m completely head over heels in love with this much sunlight! It energizes me to work, and I absolutely love it!

4. A Place to Relax

I have a many responsibilities outside of my focusiness work, and sometimes I need to just decompress. Similarly, if I’ve been working for 50 minutes, I usually give myself a 10 minute break to switch gears.

I’ve installed a few cushions in an adjacent space room, also in front of a beautiful window, where I can go and meditate. I can also just lay down and relax my back muscles. We all know that too much time sitting in front of a computer is not optimal, so giving myself the space and the time to elongate my spine is great!

Eating By Choice Contest Ends Today!

This is just a quick reminder that the Eating By Choice Contest ends today, Friday the 17th, at 7:00pm EST! If you haven’t entered yet, you can just email your entry by filling out the form here to contact me! Just answer the question: What is your biggest healthy eating challenge!

** Are there any areas in your life that you need to set boundaries in? What about creating a space to make your dreams come true? Share with us in the comments!

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