Prologue: An Encounter That Opened My Eyes
Posted by Ashley Ellefsen in Political on February 28th, 2010
My entries to this point have been mostly centered around my history, my love of this great nation, my admiration for leadership and my unwavering belief in Network Marketing. All of which I feel are worthy of sharing with friends, colleagues and strangers. But now, I have decided to take a different direction over the next few weeks. I have recently had the great pleasure of spending time with a gentlemen named Vladimir who is from Russia. Vladimir is nearing 50 years old, which means that during his lifetime he has seen the effects of communism on his nation, the fall of communism and is now an extremely successful network marketer and a staunch opponent of communism.
In the short amount of time which I was recently able to share with him, he has seemed to stir something deep within my soul which I feel needs to be freed. This may sound overly dramatic to some reading this; however, I feel that it is of the utmost importance to share what follows.
I go back to the first few months that I worked with John Godzich. I remember watching him speak to a group of Distributors in a private meeting or even speaking one on one with him in a public restaurant or other public place. John’s boldness in speaking out about his personal beliefs came as a bit of a shock to me at first. I can recall many conversations where John openly spoke out in disagreement with current government policies and would sometimes draw parallels to socialism.
I would sink down into my chair just a bit, hoping not to draw any criticism onto myself. Shame on me. I’m embarrassed to admit that I harbored such an attitude, displayed such behavior. Unfortunately, I (and many young people my age) have been raised in a world where it is not polite to offend others by stating, or even standing by your own beliefs if it would be disagreeable to another. I imagine that most of us didn’t start out on the crooked path to “political correctness”, it just seeps into our sub-conscious because of social expectations, cultural pressure and often times, a few outspoken people.
Fortunately, there must be something about one’s boldness that if you are exposed to it long enough, it rubs off on you. Hence, my enthusiasm to write a three part series on my views and understanding, however limited it may be, on the unspoken effects of socialism and communism.
First, have you heard the joke that compares the different political view points?
Capitalism: You have two cows. You sell one and buy a bull. Your herd multiplies, and the economy grows. You sell the herd and retire on the income.
Socialism: You have two cows. The State takes one to give to a poorer neighbor.
Communism: You have two cows. The State takes both and gives you some milk
Fascism: You have two cows. The State takes both and sells you some milk.
Nazism: You have two cows. The State takes both and shoots you.
Bureaucratism: You have two cows. The State takes both, shoots one, milks the other, and then throws the milk away.
I know this seems trivial but it gives you a kind of “quick reference” to understanding the difference “isms” being thrown around.
I know that the waters which I’m attempting to navigate by discussing this subject are rather perilous. But, have you ever heard people say that history is written by the victors? I believe this whole heartedly. So, why then do we cater to those who have been defeated? This is part of the reason why I’m so taken with this topic…..I’ve never been taught these ideals….not in school, not by my parents, not in life. And, I also believe with all of my heart that you can not grow without understanding your history. We do not want to repeat history, especially when it comes to a negative impact on millions of lives. After all, what we know and believe defines our future.
This is the time. If not before, now more than ever; our country, our youth, our future depends on it. Next time, in Part 1, I will be discussing how good ideas can lead to bad things.
Greatness: The Right Choice at the Right Time by the Right Person
Posted by Ashley Ellefsen in Network Marketing on February 21st, 2010
How is greatness defined? Is greatness a part of a person’s DNA? Or, is greatness something that one must strive to achieve throughout life, something that each individual must dig deep to find, nourish and provoke?
I believe that every person is given a gift from our Creator at conception. It is however, up to each one of us to discover and cultivate our gift. I tend to define greatness as the moment when someone who identifies their gift, determines to use it to help others. There are many examples throughout history where unfortunately this has occurred but the gift was used to the detriment of the people. Therefore, true greatness needs to be used for the good and benefit of others.
You could say that I’ve really lucked out. But, just maybe I was the right person in the right place at the right time….and that’s exactly where I was meant to be. Over the last year I’ve been very fortunate to meet and work with many amazing people.
Men and women who have had a positive influence on the lives of family, friends and neighbors in their small communities and men and women who have tremendously impacted the lives of millions all over the world. With a common purpose, this is truly an industry of opportunity.
Just this last week I had the honor of meeting someone who has been in the Network Marketing Industry for over 20 years. This person has touched and changed the lives of tens of thousands of people and on Friday, he touched the life of one more. Mine.
I was honored to spend just a couple of hours with this man, who is on fire for life. Life with a purpose, not afraid of struggle – because only through great struggles can you achieve great victory.
Everyone has a different trigger – a trigger to get involved, a trigger to get started and a trigger to be great. I have identified my trigger for the first two categories, personal connection. Life is about relationships, without interaction and human connection we wouldn’t have stories, memories or purpose. And this is a relationship industry, without relationships you can’t build team, without a team you can’t build a business, without a business you can’t build a dream and without a dream, you can’t build a legacy.
I was motivated to get involved in this business after working with John Godzich and Doug Wead for the last year. Thanks to my meeting on Friday with my new friend, for the first time since I’ve gotten involved in this business I feel really ready to go! I began sharing the business opportunity with friends again….and I have to say, there’s something exciting about it this time!
I relate it to moving to a new city or a new state, a place where you are unfamiliar with the people, landscape and culture. There is an excitement, a rush you get every time you introduce the opportunity to someone new. You can’t guess if this is the right time for your candidate. You do not always know what they are going to say or what their needs may be. You may be rejected or questioned or mocked BUT how do you know if you don’t take the chance?! Your vision may be embraced, someone may catch a little piece of your dream, your hope. And, what if that someone is the person who you will partner with and start a fire!
“Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us.”
- Wilma Rudolph
The Red, White and Blue
Posted by Ashley Ellefsen in History on February 15th, 2010
For me, there is no greater site than the United States flag hung high and waving proudly against a clear blue sky.
I believe in this great nation and I believe in the people who built this country from their blood, sweat and tears. Today approximately 2.3 million men and women serve in the US Armed Forces in over 130 countries. THANK YOU!
My life took an interesting direction at the age of 3. My mother was remarried to a man who was active duty and served the United States Air Force while my father went on to join the United States Marine Corps. Both men coming from low-income families in the South, escaped their destiny by joining the Armed Forces. The same way that many young people turn to them today; to escape poverty, seek an education, a skill, a brotherhood. My father served this country for 22 years, he retired as a GySgt (Gunnery Sergeant) after being a reconnaissance specialist, jump master and recruiter. My step father retired as a MSgt (Master Sergeant) after giving 20 years of his life to this country.
At the very young age of five, we received orders to relocate to Spangdalhem AFB which is located in West Germany. During the next five years, many of my core beliefs, principles and values would be formed. I didn’t understand until much later in life the importance of many things which I was taught…including preparedness, cleanliness and order, the value of a chain of command and respecting that chain of command, sacrifice and maybe most importantly….respect.
There are many challenges that come with being a “military brat”, but they go hand in hand with amazing experiences which most kids don’t have. I was blessed to be able to live in Europe; granted, I was very young but I still have vivid memories of this time. My family would often take road trips to site see. I remember visiting numerous military cemeteries across Europe, a stark reminder of the ultimate sacrifice which many service men and women make.
I believe that one of the greatest ways to honor fallen soldiers is to honor our country’s constitution. After all, they gave their lives fighting for the freedom of strangers, defending our rights and securing the Blessings of Liberty.
After high school I was offered the opportunity to test into an Officers program with the Marine Corps. My father was still enlisted at the time and was encouraging me to define structure for my life through a career in the military. I wasn’t completely sold on the idea, but I wasn’t opposed to it either. I trained for two months leading up to the entry tests but a few weeks before, I sprained my ankle while out on a run. I was disappointed at the time but figured, it must not have been for me.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve often questioned whether or not I should have taken a different path. Luckily, in my career, I get the chance to improve lives by helping individuals secure their own future. I work in an industry that provides opportunity, promotes healthy capitalism and when done right challenges individuals to personal growth.
Super Women
Posted by Ashley Ellefsen in General on February 7th, 2010
Call me old fashioned but I appreciate a man who holds open a door for me, calls me ma’am and generally takes care of me. Can I do these things myself? Of course I can, but with all the other stresses that life deals a busy woman like myself….it’s the small things that really count.
I’m the kind of person who gives everything I have to the endeavors which I undertake. I was taught at an early age that if you are going to do something, you give it 100%. So in life, I give all that I am to the people, passions and interests which I love.
I work a more than full time job. For those of you who know me, I’m sure you understand this statement. My “job” is a lifestyle. I’m fully invested because I believe with all my heart that what we do will touch and improve thousands of lives. I believe in John Godzich and Doug Wead. I believe in the Network Marketing Industry. I believe in the XanGo products, and most importantly, I believe in THIS opportunity!
I am married to a police officer, and for those of you who have law enforcement officers in your family, I’m sure you can identify with the stresses that come with being a police wife. I inherited three beautiful step-daughters whom we are fortunate to have in our lives regularly. We also have two dogs. I am passionate about taking care of my family, my home, my health….all the while seeking to do so in a balanced manner.
I don’t tell you these things seeking sympathy or kudos. I am not unlike millions of other working women in this country. As written in The Chief Executive in November 2008, “The statistics are sobering. Women hold 50.6 percent of management and professional positions, yet represent just 15.4 percent of Fortune 500 officers and only 2.4 percent of Fortune 500 CEOs. At a time when global competition is intensifying the need for businesses to fully leverage all available talent, the numbers suggest a worrisome disconnect: Women are now well represented in the corporate workforce but simply aren’t advancing to the upper echelons.”
I would argue that women are equally as gifted, intellectual, savvy and respect worthy as men. However, men don’t have the same pressures as a working woman. Many women who work outside of the home are still expected to work their “full-time home job” as well. This is a difficult decision to face for many young women who are looking towards their future.
How do we encourage young women to sort through these tough feelings. Sometimes they are fear, self-doubt, uncertainty; and other times they are ambition, excitement, and confidence. I would say this to my own children: God has uniquely designed you. He has determined and given you a gift. It is up to you to discover, nourish and apply your gift.
I love how Sarah Palin addressed this issue in her book, Going Rogue. As a Mayor, she was invited to give high school commencement speeches, and she would say to young adults, “What gets you excited to wake up in the morning? What is the desire of your heart? God put those in you not to tease or frustrate you – He created them in you to give you direction! To put you on the right path- He bridles your passion! So stop and think about what you love to do, then look for signposts along the way that confirm you’re on the right path to doing that – doors opening, people with your best interests at heart supporting what you’re doing.”
Doors will open, opportunities will present themselves….not without challenge, but we are strong enough to overcome these challenges. Trust in God. Follow your instincts, your passions. Accept your strengths and weaknesses. Work hard and believe in yourself!
A Friend
Posted by Ashley Ellefsen in General on September 27th, 2009
This weekend I reconnected with an old friend. This young woman hasn’t had a particularly easy go at life. Having already overcome many struggles at a young age, she is a single mother working two jobs to provide for herself and her daughter. And now, she finds herself trying to cope with the diagnosis of her father with Lou Gehrig’s disease. While the bond with her father now grows into a close friendship, her closest friend took a different path.
Friendship is a fascinating concept.
To desire relationships with people whom we have commonalities, is undeniably written into our human nature. How is friendship defined? How is a friendship maintained? How does one go from stranger to acquaintance to friend to best friend?
King Solomon says, “A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” While Webster defines a friend as, “a favored companion”.
Each of us has a standard by which we measure friendships and relationships. Mine tend to be like everything else in my life….very tough, black and white…not much room for error. Am I right? Am I wrong? Who decides?
Do I love, appreciate and enjoy all of the people who are a part of my life? Of course! As someone in her Christian walk, I am called to love my neighbor as myself. Do I try to learn and grow from each of the experiences which I encounter with these people? Of course! I feel a personal calling to improve myself and seek personal growth at all times.
But a tough part of life is having to make choices. Who we choose to surround ourselves with will ultimately shape who we become. The same way that what we read, what we watch, what we listen to, our daily activities and even what we eat…shapes who we become.
The most freeing aspect is that we have the power to CHANGE!
Many of us have been pre-conditioned since we were children to do certain things, believe certain ideas and become a certain type of person. When you are not happy with whom you have become, what do you do?
Until recently, I would have considered myself a “sulker”. The type of person who isn’t always happy, but doesn’t necessarily want to take the steps to initiate change. Change is difficult because we all know that growth hurts. John Maxwell says, “If we’re growing, we’re always going to be out of our comfort zone.”
So, what is friendship? Defining the differences between an acquaintance and friend is not a simple task.
Is it a chance meeting? How are we introduced? And how do we choose? Will this person remain a mere acquaintance or is this someone whom I want to know and befriend? Is this acquaintance a casual friend…someone I know by name or association, but not someone I spend time with regularly and not someone with whom I seek a relationship? If I see them, I will make eye contact, smile, say hi and move on. Acquaintances are common, finding their way in and out of one’s life. While an acquaintance will always get a handshake, a friend is gets a hug.
What about the leap from acquaintance to a friend? This is where relationships begin to form. I would say that a friend is someone I have a connection with. We have something that transcends a commonality. It’s never awkward to run into this friend, we always have something to talk about. We spend time together and we enjoy one another’s company.
Best friends are often greeted with a hug and a kiss and when parting ways, you can even hear “I love you”. Best friends are rare; do I have high standards? A best friend is someone who does not drain you of your time or resources. A best friend is someone whom you can call upon in times of need, and will always respond. A best friend is someone who makes you better.
As I reflect on all of the relationships I have, I can only come up with a few best friends. I value each and every one of those best friends more than ever when I think about what they really mean to me. The way to hold onto friendship…return the favor. I just hope I return the favor.
The Good, The Bad or The Ugly?
Posted by Ashley Ellefsen in Network Marketing on August 1st, 2009
I’m busy, you’re busy, we are all busy. We live in a crazy and busy world. It’s funny though how most people still seem to find the time to manage their social networking sites. I know that we all feel the need to express ourselves. Why else would we blog, tweet or post status updates on sites like Facebook and MySpace? Read the rest of this entry »
Is It Fate? Is It Destiny?
Posted by Ashley Ellefsen in History on July 21st, 2009
A moment. A decision. A chance. Is it luck when life happens to deal us a good hand? Or is it fate?
Life doesn’t always seem to be so good to us. It’s odd how you can be so down sometimes…you swing and you miss, you swing again and you miss again. But, with only one chance remaining you keep your eye on the ball. You choose to focus on the good in life and keep working towards happiness. I believe it is human nature to strive for this happiness, this satisfaction, this joy. It makes me think of the movie Pursuit of Happyness. And, isn’t it funny how this movie speaks directly to the very core of a Network Marketer? This movie IS Network Marketing; it’s an individual totally focused on success…and paying the price for it. One of the purest examples of time, effort and persistency equaling triumph! Read the rest of this entry »
An Insider’s Look Into XanGo by a Former XanGo Employee
Posted by Ashley Ellefsen in Introduction on July 5th, 2009
I grew up in the public school system. The emphasis was rarely on building relationships, entrepreneurship, leadership or even running a business. We were taught skills such as how to “build a résumé” and successfully interview for a job. We were even instructed on how to design and follow a budget; a wonderful, extremely useful skill which I have carried with me all this time. But, it makes me wonder now….I have been so focused on staying within my budget that I never dreamed of how I could expand or build my personal wealth….has this truly helped me or has it hurt me? I now realize that I have been suffering inside my own “pie chart”. This is not the way I want my children to grow up. I want them to first realize and then understand that there are alternate methods to reach success. Read the rest of this entry »
Ashley: A Young Woman’s Journey Into Networking
Posted by Ashley Ellefsen in Introduction on June 28th, 2009
I am honored that you would take time out of your busy life to spend a few moments reading my thoughts. My hope is that I may provide some insight for you into the inner workings of John Godzich, Doug Wead and XGoPro. Along the way I may even learn something about myself
Please allow me to introduce myself…. Read the rest of this entry »
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