What to do When Life Calls

Business Mindset

I’m still riding the high from Money 2.0 2013. Honestly, it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had in my life. It was such a high. And then I came home to a low.

On the second morning of the event I spoke about how we experience two different callings: the calling into our greatness and when life calls. We get called into our greatness every day: to step up, to put ourselves out there, to follow up, to get clients, and to make an impact on the world. It drives us forward as entrepreneurs. It helps us talk ourselves off the ledge in those moments of fear and desperation.

But there is another type of calling – it is when life calls. Life callings are crises that pull you away from your business and into your life. Life calls when a child gets sick. Life calls when a parent needs help. Life calls when the roof caves in or the car breaks down. Life calls when a friend needs you to stay with her at the hospital.

What we all know for sure is that life will call.

The thing is that for most of us, the life callings and the call into greatness happen at the same time. We are pulled in two different directions. And we must learn to manage both callings even though at times we feel like we are being pulled apart at the seams.

For me, life called me into my greatness at Money 2.0. Standing on that stage and transforming the way 200 people think about money was possibly the greatest gift I have been given so far in my business.

I rode that high for exactly four days.

Today life called. My mom went into the hospital today. She’s been sick for a while with chronic asthma and other ailments and they needed to give her more oxygen. She took a turn for the worse, and I’m not sure she’s going to take a turn for the better anytime soon.

I found myself wracked with guilt about whether I’ve been a good daughter. Could I have done more for her? I wondered whether the call for greatness was too much. Could I have been more, done more? Then I realized that the best I can do is fully support her with love right now.

I booked a plane ticket to go home this weekend to support my dad and take care of my mom as best as I can. It makes me angry to see her struggle and suffer, knowing that I can’t solve this problem. People pay me thousands of dollars to have me help fix their businesses – and yet I can’t make her pain go away.

In the midst of it all I know that our job here on the planet is to be with it all – the joy of the greatness and the call of reality. And that job of being with it all without resistance is harder than any marketing activity or sales call.

I write to you fellow entrepreneurs to salute you. I know each one of you deals with the life callings. I know each one of you feels your own call into greatness.

I suspect that we could not have one without the other.

And somewhere deep inside I know that we as entrepreneurs continue to grow and keep growing from every single part of it.

And for that I’m forever grateful.

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34 Comments

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Suzanne on June 13, 2013 at 6:21 pm

Monica, know that I am praying for you, your mom and your family.
Reply
- Monica on June 14, 2013 at 12:52 pm
  
  Hi Suzanne,
  
  Thank you so much for your kind words, I really appreciate it.
  Reply
Jeanne Omlor on June 13, 2013 at 6:24 pm

Monica,

I am so sorry to hear this. I just went through a similar experience. My father passed away a month ago. I too examined my whole life with my Dad. I am sure, as I have met you, that you were and are a wonderful daughter and that your mother has nothing but love for you.

I send you much love and support during this difficult time.

Kind Regards,
Jeanne Omlor
Reply
- Monica on June 14, 2013 at 12:53 pm
  
  Hi Jeanne,
  
  I am sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Thank you for your kind words and support, I really appreciate it. I also believe that you were an amazing daughter, your father was lucky to have you!
  Reply
  - jeanne Omlor on June 14, 2013 at 1:55 pm
    
    Hi Monica,
    
    That is very sweet of you. I was just lucky to have the father I had.
    
    All you can do is to be there with your Mom, loving her.
    
    Love and Peace,
    jeanne
  - Monica on June 20, 2013 at 12:09 am
    
    Thank you Jeanne
Rene Cerrito on June 13, 2013 at 8:41 pm

Dear Monica… I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. One of the hardest things in life is to watch someone you love suffer, and to feel helpless. I too watched my mother be in such pain at the end of her life… I could not take it away. I am sure you have been a wonderful daughter… it is OK to follow your dreams and live your life. Please do not feel guilt or self doubt. Just be with her and tell her you love her… that will provide comfort and support. God Bless You all at this very trying time. ….Rene
Reply
- Monica on June 14, 2013 at 12:55 pm
  
  Hi Rene,
  
  Thank you for your lovely words of encouragement – I really appreciate your support. I am sorry to hear that your mother suffered in her last days – you were an amazing daughter to be with her during that time.
  Reply
BJ on June 13, 2013 at 10:53 pm

Hi Monica,
So sorry to hear your news. You, your mom and family will be in my thoughts and prayers too!

I also had a frustrating and helpless time watching my dad suffer, not realizing that he was dying. He would seem to be getting better and then have another setback. After a very long 6 months of this, he succumbed.

One thing I do know, is that just being there with my family and doing the things I was capable of doing to assist, helped not only my dad, but myself and other family members, as they helped me. Your being there will provide comfort and support for your Mom and other family members.

Although we all know that this is coming sooner or later, we are, somehow, always taken by surprise and unaware of how to handle the situation. My family is extremely close, and we all still feel the loss, but we have each found our own way of dealing with it.

You, too, will find your way through this situation.

Something I tried to remember is the
Serenity Prayer:
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.

In peace and love,
BJ
Reply
- Monica on June 14, 2013 at 12:57 pm
  
  Hi BJ,
  
  Thank you for your inspiring message, I really appreciate your encouragement and support. I am happy that you have a family that is very close and supportive of each other.
  Reply
G on June 14, 2013 at 2:10 am

My heart goes out to you and your family. You are blessed to having a loving and close relationship with your mom! Enjoy every minute together.

I feel the same way – but with my beloved daughter. She is 19 and has been going through some challenging times for the past 2-3 years. She is now homeless, couch surfing, or living in her car. I felt the same as you – what more could I have done or done differently.
Reply
- Monica on June 14, 2013 at 12:58 pm
  
  Hi G,
  
  Thank you for your kind words. I am sorry to hear about your daughter – I hope that things get better for her quickly!
  Reply
Harriet Meyerson on June 14, 2013 at 11:02 am

Hi Monica,
When I was told my father only had 2 weeks to live, I said to myself, “As long as he’s alive, we’re going help him live with joy”
My kids decorated his hospital room, we brought in his favorite movie for all to watch together, and we uplifted his remaining days.
He lived for 4 weeks, and my mother slept in his hospital room on a cot the whole time. I feel like his last weeks were a blessing to him and all of us.
Reply
- Monica on June 14, 2013 at 1:01 pm
  
  Hi Harriet,
  
  That is wonderful! What a lovely way to celebrate your father’s life by spending as much time with him as possible and surrounding him with love and joy during his final days. You are an amazing daughter!
  Reply
Harriet Meyerson on June 14, 2013 at 11:08 am

Hi Monica,
When I was told my father only had 2 weeks to live, I said to myself, “As long as he’s alive, we’re going help him live with joy”
My kids decorated his hospital room, we brought in his favorite movie for all to watch together, and we uplifted his remaining days.
Since my parents actually lived in a different city and had come to Dallas for a second medical opinion, I contacted all his friends. He was overwhelmed when they all called him.
His favorite niece and nephew flew in to see him.
He lived for 4 weeks, and my mother slept in his hospital room on a cot the whole time. I feel like his last weeks were a blessing to him and all of us.
Reply
Pam Brooks-Crump on June 14, 2013 at 11:34 am

Sending healing Love to your Mom and All, Monica!
So appreciate your openness; it helps me to know that “life calling” is not personal to me.
I think it is really about listening to our own Guidance in the moment, and taking that inspired action.
What I know for sure is that being an entrepreneur puts the sh–, that keeps me from being fully present in my life, in my face. I always have a choice to grow or remain chained.

Much Love,
Pam
Reply
- Monica on June 14, 2013 at 1:02 pm
  
  Hi Pam,
  
  You are so right! Thank you for your kind words, I agree that it is very important to be present in your life!
  Reply
Judi Lansky on June 14, 2013 at 11:55 am

I think when life calls, we realize what is really most important. When my partner was suicidal, I stayed w/ her 24/7, worked at home as best I could (this was before it was common to work at home.) Clearly, her life was most important. Similarly, when each of my parents died, I flew to them, comforted them as best I could w/ little thought of business. And I’m glad I was there for them. Then I cd come back to bus.
I’m praying for you and your Mom,Monica.
Reply
- Monica on June 14, 2013 at 1:03 pm
  
  Hi Judi,
  
  I agree, you being there for them was the best choice! Thank you for your kind words and support, I really appreciate it.
  Reply
Summer Bock on June 14, 2013 at 12:04 pm

Monica,

Thank you for your honesty and vulnerability. This made me cry because I can relate to that feeling of powerlessness with the things I can’t change.

Feeling all of it without resistance is a HUGE challenge. A good challenge. Sometimes the contrast of the excellent parts of my life really make the hard parts feel so hard when my heart is so open. I’m just glad we’re all doing it together.

I appreciate you and your work so much. Money 2.0 was incredible!!!
Reply
Kelly on June 14, 2013 at 11:56 pm

*hugs*

Hang in there!

Kelly
Reply
- Monica on June 20, 2013 at 12:09 am
  
  Thanks Kelly!
  Reply
Monique LaRue on June 15, 2013 at 1:59 am

Monica,

I already sent you a comment but I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone. My business hasn’t seen the success it should. I really had hopes of attending the event in Atlanta this past weekend but other obligations kept me from attending.

It’s so powerful that you are still encouraging us as you deal with this situation with you mother. I am grateful for you and your passion to help us grow. In my prayers and thoughts.

Monique LaRue
Reply
- Monica on June 20, 2013 at 12:11 am
  
  Thank you Monique for your kind words. Monica
  Reply
Jacqueline Gaulin on June 15, 2013 at 12:55 pm

Dear Monica,

Your beautiful words touched me deeply. After spending a life-changing three days with you at Money 2.0 in Atlanta, it was obvious that you are not only a gifted, intelligent and intuitive woman, but beautiful inside and out. Your words here about your mother are hard to read as I can only imagine what you and your family are going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Please know that you gave me the greatest gift through Money 2.0–I also hope you can find a little comfort during this difficult time in knowing that you have touched many of us in a profound and powerful ways.

Forever grateful,
Jacqueline
Reply
- Monica on June 20, 2013 at 12:12 am
  
  Thank you for your kind words Jacqueline. I really appreciate all the well-wishes. Monica
  Reply
Christine Kelley on June 16, 2013 at 8:36 am

Dear Monica,
Thank you so much for sharing this… I literally feel your pain as my Mom also went into the hospital yesterday and we’re not sure what’s going to happen. I am sending prayers for the best possible outcome for both of our Moms… And for both of us and our families… You are ever an inspiration, powerful, heart-centered woman. I thank you. Namaste.
Reply
- Monica on June 20, 2013 at 12:13 am
  
  Thank you for your prayers and thoughts. Mine are with you and your family as well. Monica
  Reply
Susan Liddy on June 18, 2013 at 6:24 pm

((( Monica )))
Hope that your Mom is doing well.
I’m sure she very much appreciated your visit.

I want you to know that you are so amazing. You provide wonderful support to so many. I am *certain* that you’ve done “enough” for your Mom <– that's how you're wired… to care for others.

Don't forget to care for YOU.
-S
Reply
- Monica on June 20, 2013 at 12:14 am
  
  Thank you Susan.
  Reply
Donna on June 19, 2013 at 7:13 am

Oh, boy can I relate to this! So sorry Monica for the passing of your mom. It’s never easy losing a close family member and especially mom. I know how hard it must be for you to have felt so helpless during the last days of your moms life and then being with all of us at Money 2.0 and giving us such a great conference-it’s bitter sweet. But it’s just that Way sometimes in life-and I’m sure your mom was very proud to have a daughter like you and just to have you there during her final days
Reply
- Monica on June 24, 2013 at 10:10 am
  
  Thank you for your kind words and support Donna.
  Reply
Chental Wilson on June 19, 2013 at 1:29 pm

Hey Monica
thanks for sharing about real life! I hope your mom is improving and getting some relief. We met at the messenger summit and I so enjoyed your presentation, Ive told your couch story a few times.. hang in there babe!
chental
Reply
- Monica on June 24, 2013 at 10:11 am
  
  Thank you Chental.
  Reply

What to do When Life Calls

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