EPISODE 95
Thank you for tuning in to episode 95!! If you’re listening in real-time, you know we’re getting ready to celebrate Thanksgiving here in the US. AND after being away for three weeks exploring Cancun, Oaxaca, and Puebla, I bring you back a timely lesson that I learned in a small Zapotec village in Oaxaca.
Alberta Mateo works her magic by turning a chunk of red clay into a beautiful bowl. With nothing more than primitive tools, the bowl is expertly created. She uses a corn cob to thin and smooth her red clay, turning it by hand over a stone.
As Alberta makes art out of nothing, she explains her journey into becoming and creating the Women of the Red Clay. Like so many others in the area, her story is a mix of hardship and pride. These women have become world-famous, and their work can now be found in the Museum of Modern Art in New York. As we watched Alberta work her magic, she explained her story, then gave us the shock of a lifetime. She told us that November was not a working month for her. The women of this village work hard the rest of the year, but the end of the year is their time off.
We watched in horror as she explained that she would have to destroy the piece she created before our eyes. If she did not break this piece and make it back into a clay chunk, she would need another two days to finish the piece, and she reminded us once again that she did not work again until January. The last couple of months of the year are for family and celebrations. Hmmm, now there’s a thought to consider!
So as we head into a season full of celebrating friends and family, I strongly urge you to take a day or two to completely be present. Enjoy a moment to unwind and do something that you genuinely enjoy. As I watched the remainder of my time in Mexico dwindle down to the day that we boarded back on the plane home, I looked back at the pictures, remembered the stories, and I cherished the memories. The memories were only possible because I was present.
Well, there you have it, my friend, another short and sweet solo episode! I hope you’ll find the time to kick back and relax a little bit during this busy holiday season. I’m going to circle a few days of pure relaxation on my calendar and enjoy making memories with friends and family. Let’s remember that the beauty of having our own business is that WE get to make bold decisions, big or small; let’s take this time to reflect on what we’ve done and take the much-needed time to just celebrate life!
Thank you for tuning in, sharing this show, and being a part of this journey.
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