What is the best thing that I love about my work? The thing I love most about my work is the flexibility and freedom. I can do whatever I want with my business! I can do it where, when, and with whom I want. So I get to work doing what I love and spend time with people I enjoy. I can be available for my family. Travel. And I can help others do the same. This feels really, really good. It makes it all worth it.
What is my idea of perfect happiness? Perfect happiness is when I feel content, safe, and loved. When my needs and wants are being met, but I have the equanimity to ride the waves through the rough patches. When I feel grateful. When I am taking good care of myself, and serving others from overflowing. When smiles, love, and laughter (and loved ones!) envelop and inhabit our home, and life just feels good.
What is my greatest fear? Dying before I am loved. Or, someone I love not feeling loved.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? Perfectionism if it hinders me from taking action. And any form of scarcity thinking. There is more than enough time, money, and love to go around, and to share!
Which living persons in my profession do i most admire? Oh, why do they have to be living?!! I want to say Maria Montessori or Louise Hay! But, I’ll be happy to say Sarah Blakely! Because she is also a mom of four. She is a billionaire. And I read on her Instagram today that her favorite part of being wealthy is spoiling her loved ones. I am also a mom of four and love to spoil my loved ones.
What is my greatest extravagance? Living every day like I am on vacation. Simple pleasures. Waking up without an alarm, in a super comfy bed, eating delicious, organic foods, keeping fresh flowers and candles in our home, taking care of my body, mind, and spirit, and having time to play and to enjoy the people I love. Oh, and good coffee in the morning, and my housekeeper, who I aspire to see every day! ;)
On what occasion would I lie? Hmmm…I don’t know. I do not like lies. I can’t think of one, but I suppose it would have to involve the safety of one of my boys.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? Pressure. Feeling alone and unsupported. As an entrepreneur, there are times when we really do go it alone. It is difficult for others on a traditional path to understand my mindset and motives. And sometimes, my vision is criticized for being too much, too big, etc. That does not feel good, but it also has not stopped me.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work? I am happiest when I am traveling and speaking. And, especially if it involves staying at a fancy hotel!
If I could, what would I change about myself? I might not have taken off work when the boys were young. I do not regret a second of time spent with them, but I certainly lost traction professionally during that time, and basically had to start all over again in my 40s.
What is my greatest achievement in work? Starting my business is hands down the greatest achievement in my work. My firsts – website, private clients, group programs, retreats, tele-summits, All the firsts are achievements because they have required courage and have paved the way for what has followed.
Where would I most like to live? I have a fantasy about quarterly living, seasonally. I would move between Houston, San Antonio, Galveston, and alternate Hawaii and living abroad for that fourth quarter. Not in that order, though! I have to be in Houston during back to school time (fall), and San Antonio during Fiesta (spring), so would probably choose Galveston in winter and living abroad during summer.
What is my most treasured possession? A framed picture on canvas that my friend Thomas took and gifted me. It represents my transformation from winter to spring when I went though my divorce. And, it was a long winter! But, the photograph is a beautiful picture of delicate flowers blooming through the snow in Sweden. I am not too attached to possessions, but this one means a lot to me.
What is my most marked characteristic? Determination. I will do something if I set my mind to it. I will do it in my own way, and while I’d love support and approval, I won’t change to please anyone, and I don’t mind ruffling a few feathers along the way.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city? Hmmm…I have to say the beach in Galveston, even though my city is Houston. The beach is magic for me. And specifically, the Hotel Galvez! If I must say Houston proper, or even Webster, I suppose I’d say outside in nature, specifically at Nassau Bay park nearby, or NASA, because…ASTRONAUTS.
What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city? The Backstreet Cafe. Just go there. Trust me,
What books influenced my life and how? You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay influenced me by teaching me that our thoughts create outcomes. Simplify Your Life by Elaine St. James taught me that the simple road is always more pleasurable, in terms of how we live. And anything by Jon Kabat Zinn on mindfulness taught me that knowing myself and being present in the moment is the path of freedom and joy.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day? Acoustic guitar. No words. With my family.
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany’s for her beauty, style, humor, and whimsy. Mary Bailey from It’s a Wonderful Life for how fiercely she loves. Martha Stewart, even though she is only part fiction…for her homemaking prowess, even if unrealistic. And Jane from Drop Dead Diva for her smarts, quick wit, professional style, and big heart.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? Maria Montessori for her love of children, and for establishing a method of educating children that honors the essence of who they are, and fosters their natural love of learning. And normal humans everywhere who are parenting and loving well while navigating their careers, creating success for themselves and their families, and making a difference by doing meaningful work in the world.
Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime? This may be shallow but I’ll say Beaches. It teaches the temperance of life and the value of relationships. Or, maybe Forest Gump. For the same reasons…
What role plays art in my life and work? Art plays an inspirational role in my life and work. I love to surround myself with beauty, and I believe that home is a sacred space that can nurture us and equip us to walk through life with greater pleasure, comfort, abundance, health, and ease. I believe that the things we consume with our eyes matter! So, my art is intentional.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? Hmmm… Great question! I guess I have my assignment for 2018! To discover the answer to this question.
Whom would I like to work with in 2018? Heather Poduska, Bo Eason, Sarah Blakely, and a really incredible male boudoir photographer!
Which people in my profession would i love to meet in 2018? Heather Poduska, Canon Wing, Dusti Arab, Lisa Rothstein
What project, in 2018, am I looking forward to work on? Luxurious healthy living retreats. Collaborating with some other powerful and passionate women in business.
Where can you see me or my work in 2018?
andrea-silver.com. At my VIP Days. In our Mastermind. At our retreats. And on various tele summits, podcasts, and other media.
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? If it is passion it is part of who we are; it stays in us. Passion is exempt from age. If our work involves our passion, we do not aspire to stop.
Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story? Heather Poduska, Canon Wing, Dusti Arab, Lisa Rothstein
How can you contact me? You can contact me directly via email at andrea@andrea-silver.com, or through the website andrea-silver.com. I’d love to hear from you!
Passion Never Retires 