We All Have Our Struggles
A lot of people don’t know this, but I have over 20 yrs of experience in the marketing and business field. I’ve started several multimillion dollar businesses, some on my own, some with my husband, and some with other business partners; a few have been tremendously successful, but MORE have FAILED miserably. Such is the life of an entrepreneur. I would not have it any other way. I started my career as a headhunter for a F500 company working with executives in the finance fields. Later we started our first company when I was 33 years old and we never looked back.
When I became a mom, I very rarely talked about work. I found that it was very difficult for some of the other moms to relate to me when I did. I’m not sure exactly what the reason for that was, but one thing that I did figure out is that women do not do a good enough job supporting one another. We have a tendency to want to tear each other down, or compete with each other, rather than support and up lift each other.
That being said I, and we, have worked very hard to get where we are today. I wasn’t raised with a silver spoon in my mouth. My parents were kind enough to afford me a fantastic undergraduate education; however, when I graduated I had to move out and pay for graduate school on my own, as well as my own way in life from day one. Supporting myself through grad school on an entry-level salary as a counselor was difficult. I paid my bills by working full-time during the day and attending school full-time at night. I graduated in 2 yrs with a perfect GPA and even completed a graduate assistantship with one of the top institutions in the country, Georgetown University. I remember coming home from school at 11pm, studying till 2am, and then getting up for work at 7am. There were many nights I ate dinner at gas station convenience stores. Obviously, all that changed once I segued into Corporate America.
Its been journey. I’ve decided that I need to be unapologetic about it all, regardless of who is “put off” by it. We, especially as women, need to do a better job supporting each other, cheering each other on, and advocating for one another. We all have our struggles, our stories, and our time. 🙏
Sometimes You're Flush and…
“Sometimes you're flush and sometimes you're bust, and when you're up, it's never as good as it seems, and when you're down, you never think you'll be up again, but life goes on.” -Fred Jung
Traditions Anchor Us to Our Past
Tonight on Christmas Eve, our family celebrates our Savior’s birth and the many family traditions that remind us of, not just HIS birth, but also who we are and where we come from. Traditions help us to recall the past, how we were raised, and the underpinnings of our youth. They help tie one generation to another by carrying forward old traditions and also creating new ones.
Traditions anchor us to our past and give direction, and meaning, to our future.
What are some of your families favorite traditions?
You Can’t “Make Old Friends”
Many thanks to those who came out to our cover/launch party. It was very humbling to see the number of patients that believe in and support Dr Steven Cyr’s @cyrious.surgical work. The stories that many of them shared with me about how he has changed their lives and given them hope for their future were heartfelt. I was pleasantly surprised to see our high school Wagner friends there and so very grateful for you all. It just goes to show that you truly can’t “make old friends.” There’s a sense of knowing and understanding there that can’t be explained. It’s just there, as you were last night...and that did not go unappreciated.
We are not in San Antonio full-time anymore. We split our time between Houston and San Antonio due to patient demands in both cities. So when we are in San Antonio we truly appreciate the people who have made an effort to stay in touch and be a part of our lives. It shows that those relationships were not ones of convenience, because it’s certainly not convenient now, but ones of sincerity. As I grow in my old age I certainly make note of these things.
That said, I’m not growing old without a fight ...which is why I use @cyrmd.skincare 😜LOL have a great day and God bless you all. 🥰
I Wasn’t “Great” at Anything
When I was 11 years old, I went to my father so distraught over the fact that I “didn’t have any talent.” In my opinion, I wasn’t “great” at anything. I felt insecure next to my friends who were amazing athletes, incredible artists and gifted singers. I was just “average” at any of those things, at best.
My father looked at me and said, “you have many talents...you just don’t realize they are talents because they come naturally to you.” Sometimes talents....or gifts...are not so obvious. You have to figure out WHAT they are and WHY they are...and then cultivate them, but that doesn’t make them any less important ...just because they are less obvious. Yes, I’d love to be the next Celine Dion, but that is not the hand that I was dealt. I have other talents, skills and gifts....and so do YOU. 💕
Figure them out, use them to make the world a better place and, ultimately, give God the glory. Remember, as I’ve been humbly reminded many times...just as easy as God giveth, he too can taketh away.
Meet Like Minded Women
Recently I attended a function put on by @houstonbusinesswomen in an effort to support local women owned and operated organizations. I was there to meet like minded women and to market my businesses.
I was very impressed with the group of women I met and the entrepreneurial spirit in the room. My favorite business card that I picked up was from @bubbletaphouston - such a cute idea and anyone that knows me knows I can appreciate and use their services - a mobile champagne truck (vs food truck) ...such a great idea for parties, weddings etc.
This was such a cute networking event. Someone in San Antonio should put together a “San Antonio Business Women” organization using @houstonbusinesswomen as a template to promote and support women entrepreneurs.
I Don’t Believe in Luck
Venturing out and starting @cyrmd.skincare may seem fortuitous, but it was everything other than luck. I don’t believe in luck, I believe in hard work. They say luck is when preparation meets opportunity. I will concede to that. Although you can’t control the opportunity that comes your way, you can control how you respond to those opportunities... and how you will prepare for the ones that are to come.
I never dreamed about success. I worked for it.” ~Estee Lauder, Founder of EsteeLauder Cosmetic
My Sweet Girl. I wish…
Ava says to me, “Mommy, I want to stay little forever”. My sweet girl. I wish. 🙏
I had a conference w Ava’s pre-K teacher yesterday and she said that her favorite moment with Ava was when she told her that she “loves her” and reassured her that she didn’t just love her “that day” but “everyday”... and she also loves her “at night too”.
Imagine if we all loved and expressed that love so willingly and easily...without pretense, circumstance, or inhibition. Wouldn’t life and relationships be so much easier?
The Secret to a Happy Marriage is…
I’ve always said that the secret to a happy marriage is to “choose wisely.” I think it’s a commonly known, and accepted, principle that your life is, for the most part, a culmination of the choices that you’ve made. It’s no different in marriage.
I think it’s impossible to choose a life partner to complement you if what you’re really looking for is someone to “complete” you. In order to confidently choose a life partner to complement you, I believe you have to be complete in and of yourself ...not needing or looking for someone to fill a void that is really your job to come to terms with. Looking for someone to complete a void within you simply puts too much pressure on the other person to make up for a deficiency that is not their responsibility to fix...and they will surely fail trying. As Julia Roberts said, “you want a partner not a project.”
Be a partner...partners complement your life, they are not a crutch or enabler. They pull you up and pull you through and vice versa. They help you to become better versions of yourself by cheering you on, supporting and encouraging you, but it’s your job to do the work, not theirs.
Marriage is about complementing each other’s lives and creating one together that is exponentially better, not worse, than it otherwise would have been. I’ve often said that I can make myself perfectly miserable ...I don’t need someone in my life to help me with that.
So choose wisely, I know I sure did!
Happy 20th anniversary to my perfect complement. ❤️
#twentyyears
#happyanniversary
The Elephant in the Room
I’m going to call out the elephant in the room because this has been bothering me for some time. I’ve been told by many people that the best response is no response, but I have to address this head on. For those of you that know what I’m talking about, you will know exactly what I’m referring to. For those of you that don’t, you will not care. So here goes...
About six months ago a very irresponsible and amateur writer decided to submit an article to a national publication about me and Steven, mostly about me though. I won’t mention his name because I don’t want to give him notoriety, which is what he seeks. The article was about a case we are involved in with our former, very dishonest, building landlord and his cronies, who essentially were responsible for the demise of our former company “in my opinion” (obligatory caveat inserted). It was picked up by a national publication as an “opinion” piece. The case had not, and still has not, gone to court. However, this Jack Ass (I will refer to him as Jack going forward) decides to write his “opinion” on it as if it had been heard and, worse yet, he predicates his opinion on “facts” that do not exist. Never labeling them “alleged” - merely stating them as foregone conclusions. The facts as he states them did not exist then nor do they exist now, rendering his opinion erroneous and base-less, and at the very least, irresponsible. But since it is “his opinion” and he leaves enough wiggle room in the language to give himself an out, he accomplishes the libel he set out to do.
It is my “opinion” that he decided to write this article to propel his own greed and reputation as an attorney (he has his own practice and is obviously free lancing as an amateur writer).
Fast forward six months later and many of the alleged “facts” in the case have been dismissed (not even surviving long enough to see their day in court) due to the fact that the claims have no merit and are completely baseless...simply unfounded accusations made by greedy billion dollar companies to squeeze small business owners (in my opinion).
I contacted Jack and sent him documents with actual court rulings contradicting his “opinion” and requesting a retraction or, at the very least, a follow up article. Unfortunately, he did not respond, preferring to stand behind his unfounded opinion in the face of evidence to the contrary. Leaving me no choice but to consider a libel and slander suit against him and anyone involved in spreading these false statements. In addition to filing a grievance in every state he holds licensure in, which I believe are multiple.
It’s scary for me to think that in today’s day and age we can’t even believe what we read and that credible publications are picking up articles from sources of information that are only writing for their own self promotion and propaganda under the guise of public interest and opinion pieces.
For those of you who believed me from the beginning, thank you. For those of you that didn’t, let this be a lesson to you that you shouldn’t believe and spread everything that you read; you should consider doing your OWN research instead of relying on the opinion of a Jack Ass.
Let Yourself Feel the Feels
This is one of my favorite pictures of Colton and Caden because the photographer captured a real moment. They were laughing about something she said, and I’m certain the laughter was at her expense, but boys will be boys, I guess.
I remember in college going through a rough patch. Nothing monumental had happened, I was just kinda down about life in general. My brother, being the supportive person that he is, bought me a book called “Real Moments” by Dr Barbara DeAngelis. What I gleaned from her writing was that what I was lacking, or failing to do, was to be present in the “real moments” of my life. I was so worried about the future and my next steps that I wasn’t living in the here and now.
It’s important that we stop sometimes to just bask in the present and enjoy what’s happening in the moment in order to experience true joy.
By contrast, it’s also important that we deal with the pains and sadness in life too. Repression is one of the most common and unproductive defense mechanisms. By not dealing with your pain, you inadvertently make the people around you deal with it through pent up residual feelings that can manifest as anger later. Repressed emotions will eventually come out, but in other unintended areas of your life.
You gotta let yourself #FeelTheFeels people, joy or sadness, to be a mentally healthy person.
Medical Grade Skincare vs. Mainstream Skincare
A lot of people have asked me why I am not selling CYRx MD Skincare in department stores, especially since all I used prior to @cyrmd.skincare were the fancy, very expensive brands sold there. The answer is tricky, but this article does as good of a job explaining it as any I’ve read.
“If you are looking for long lasting results, medical grade skincare should be the only products you are using. Medical grade products are superior to those that can be purchased over the counter or at a department store. Pharmaceutical/medical grade products can only be sold in (or by) a licensed physician’s office (or medical spa), as they contain the highest percentage of active ingredients with the highest purity. These ingredients are effective, tiny in molecular size, and vital to physically changing the appearance of the skin. They are able to penetrate the epidermis (outer layer) and the dermis (lower layer). Below the dermis is where we can find collagen, elastin, pigmentation, as well as where our new cells are produced. These active ingredients can help retexture the skin, minimize fine lines, diminish the effects of sun damage, reduce pigmentation, and much more.
Since no medical license is needed to sell over the counter (OTC) products, they can be purchased anywhere. Such products are made for a mass market (general public) and have a higher level of preservatives, allowing them to sit on store shelves for years. They do not contain active high grade ingredients and are larger in molecular size than medical grade products. This makes it difficult for OTCs to penetrate the epidermis (outer layer) or the dermis (lower layer), and treat the problem from its core.
If you are looking to address your skins needs, medical grade / pharmaceutical products are the quickest and safest way to get the results you are looking for...using OTCs will only act as a Band-Aid.” (source: Deepblue / October 2015)
Life Isn’t a Walk in the Park
I love this picture because I feel like it most accurately captures “me” on a daily basis. Maybe not so much the heavy make up, but the leggings and baseball cap for sure.
Social Media has really done a great job at breeding in-authenticity, unfortunately. Don’t get me wrong, I get it... people want to present themselves in the best light possible for whatever reason (eg, marketing their business or keeping up with family and friends all over the world), but it’s gotten to the point where people can be un-relatable.
By contrast, I think what makes people authentic and relatable is simply transparency and honesty. Life isn’t a walk in the park. Getting along in relationships, raising a family, and making a living ...simply engaging in life, comes with challenges. No one succeeds in any of these areas without failing many times over.
As a mom, I know I disappoint at least one of my kids everyday ...each of them feels like “the other one” is my favorite ...and I have made decisions based on my own baggage carried over from my childhood.
That said, I do the best I can, pray everyday and rest in knowing that life works out exactly as it’s supposed to. 🙏
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Gotcha Day!
I heard once that Adoption is a gift of the highest order. Although I couldn’t agree more, I would add that the gift is to the parents. I’ve been told a couple dozen times in Ava‘s life how “lucky she is, how fortunate she is, and how blessed she is.” I do appreciate these very well-intentioned comments, I would only add that we, as parents, are the ones receiving the gift...we are truly the lucky, fortunate, and blessed ones. Yes, I know that it goes both ways; however, relative to the amount of joy that she has given us, I don’t know if the scales are evenly weighted.
People asked me many times during the course of the pregnancy, “What if she is taken from you at birth? What if the birth mom changes her mind?” I always replied the same way...If our presence in this situation was simply to convince her birth mom to keep her...and that was our role that God intended for us, then I would be OK with that. Having a part in saving a life or sparing a life was important in and of itself. I had to trust in God’s plan for us and for her.
Of course, once Ava comes home from the hospital that completely changes. But prior to that, my feeling was that sometimes the story is not yours; sometimes you’re just a part of someone else’s journey. You are playing a minor role in THEIR story.
Fortunately, for us, that was not the case and our role in Ava’s life, and hers in ours, was much bigger. She is truly a gift of the highest order.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Happy #GotchaDay🥰
Alexa’s Friendships Throughout the Years
Many of you know how proud we are of this young lady, but few know why. Although there are many reasons, the one that God has prevailed upon me in this moment is her unconditional love for others. In looking at Alexa’s friendships throughout the years, I’ve realized a few things about her. 1️⃣ She is more into quality than quantity. 2️⃣ She holds on to the most meaningful relationships for a long time. 3️⃣ This is what I love the most, she chooses her relationship with zero regard for the superficial trappings that most teenagers (and adults) would normally have. She is able to see beyond socio-economic, age, racial and religious boundaries. Although very convicted in her own beliefs, she makes no qualms about being close to people of differing political, sexual or cultural nuances. Her closest friends are Muslim, Christian and even agnostic.
While never wavering in her own convictions, she is able to see people for what truly matters...their hearts. ❤️She respects where people come from, where they are at, and where they have the potential to go. I think her imparting that respect helps to foster the respect her close friends have for her. She sees their hearts first and therefore, they see hers.
Don’t ever change. I love you just the way you are. 🎼🎤
The Ebb and Flow of Life
This picture was taken at a friend’s #wedding a couple years ago...
I’m always fascinated with the ebb and flow of life. This past year I’ve witnessed a baptism, graduation, marriage, funeral, new births, divorce, and first love. I truly believe that our lives can only be appreciated by the contrasting experiences that come with truly living and engaging in a full life. It’s hard to appreciate true happiness without having experienced sorrow, to understand being loved well without having been loved poorly, or grasp the beauty of living without having been touched by death in some way. Today, I was so genuinely glad to witness the joy of marriage. Knowing that both of these beautiful people have had their share of heartbreak, it fills my heart to know that they will truly love and appreciate one another.
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12 🙏❤️
Family Values, Faith and…
I remember when I was younger I asked my father what he and mom had in common. They were complete opposites in terms of personality and interests, not to mention their cultural and language barriers back in 1969 were certainly not easy to overcome.
My dad looked at me and explained that although they were indeed very different in many ways, there were a few important areas that they were very similar: family values, faith and the sanctity of marriage.
This was a salient memory for me because I realized what my dad’s priorities were. In that moment it dawned on me that what he cared about in his life’s partner was not if they were both introverted or extroverted, if they were rich or poor, or if their first languages were the same, what was important to him were that her priorities in life were the same as his. What he felt were the most important things in life, she also felt. -
My dad and mom have been married for 50 years. He’s a man of integrity who prioritizes his family, faith and marriage. I’m proud to be his daughter ...and favorite child. 😉
Everyone Deserves Grace
A few years ago, I was listening to a speaker talk about handicaps and crutches. She had a limp, the technical word would be foot-drop, and described how for a large part of her life she felt very insecure because of the way people would look at her. She also had other health related issues that caused undesired weight gain. After years of struggling and self reflection, she realized that she is not the only one walking around with some sort of handicap or crutch, but rather 99.9% of people out there are...hers just happened to be visible and exposed for the world to see and, at times, judge. However, we all have a “perceived” deficiency that we grapple with. For some it’s emotional, for some it’s psychological and for some it’s physical. The two formers are easier to hide than the latter, but that doesn’t make them any less significant.
This reminded me that we never know what kind of battles the people in our lives are dealing with. I remind my kids that they can’t expect their friends to be perfect when they certainly aren’t. Everyone needs grace and the latitude to be human. And we all need to be a bit kinder, a bit more generous with our affection, and a whole lot more understanding. This is tough as we are all caught up in trying to over compensate for our own perceived handicaps that we forget that everyone else is struggling too.
What handicaps or crutches are you walking around with? I can name about 10 right now. 😅
Nature vs Nurture
As a parent I’ve always felt that it’s not my job to to raise my kids into who I want them to be, but rather the best version of who they naturally are. This has required a lot of watching and observing what their natural gifts and abilities are, but also what they naturally gravitate towards.
We all have gifts we are born with. Yes, we can develop and progress in any area if we are motivated enough, but there are certain abilities that are innate.
Harvard psychologist, Howard Gardner, developed a theory of multiple intelligence. He proposed there are actually 8 different types; although they aren’t mutually exclusive, typically people will be particularly strong in one dominant area...
1️⃣Visual-Spatial Intelligence
Strengths: Visual and spatial judgment
2️⃣Linguistic-Verbal Intelligence
Strengths: Words, language, and writing
3️⃣Logical-Mathematical Intelligence
Strengths: Analyzing problems and mathematical operations
4️⃣Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence
Strengths: Physical movement, motor control
5️⃣Musical Intelligence
Strengths: Rhythm and music
6️⃣Interpersonal Intelligence
Strengths: Understanding and relating to other people
7️⃣Intrapersonal Intelligence
Strengths: Introspection and self-reflection
8️⃣Naturalistic Intelligence Strengths: Finding patterns and relationships to nature
I’ve always been fascinated with this theory as it applies to raising kids and figuring out who they are. I’m not sure if this theory is 100% true, but from what I can see raising 4 kids out of the same recipe book, having them all turn out so different, so far, and the fact that they are all intelligent in their own way...I’m inclined to agree with Dr Gardner.
Although they are being raised in one family, they are unique & distinct in and of themselves. As a mom, I remind them that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Therefore, they have to stick together and have each other’s back in this crazy world.
Which type of intelligence do you relate to the most?
More Details About SASpine
Everyone asks me exactly what SASpine (Surgical Associates in Spine) does. It’s not a traditional medical practice as most people think, but, rather, it manages medical practices...
SASpine (Surgical Associates in Spine) operates as a turn-key medical practice management organization that focuses on helping Spine Specialists manage their practices from A to Z. From marketing, to patient pre-authorization and insurance/hospital credentialing, we handle the administrative burden of the highly regulated healthcare field so that Physicians can focus on delivering quality patient care. Our mid-level providers and management team take on the laborious task of managing the non-medical aspects of the practice in order to bring back the joy of taking care of patients.
• Management Services include (but not limited to):
-Billing and collection services -Patient scheduling and reception services
-Physical office and clinic space lease / maintenance -Complete administrative staff -Medical support staff -Recruitment and training of ancillary staff -Marketing and advertising -Credentialing and contracting with insurance carriers -EMR maintenance
-Pre authorizing surgeries -Legal and compliance oversight -Administration support
• Professional support includes:
-Physical therapy -Pain management
-Mid-level providers -Neurology
-X-ray technicians -Certified Coders
-Professional Practice Administrators (with compliance training)
