What Can I Do With What I Have

As this post-Covid-19 reopening stages begin to happen, my gratitude for being around people, has increased tremendously. With this pandemic, for me, brought a roller coaster of emotions I had never been on before. In the first two weeks, I could not believe how incredibly sad I was. I was disconnected, lonely, and really in the dark about my future. One truth about who I am, stands out to me the most. When I am in that awful, emotional-life questioning space, at the bottom of the moutain so-to-speak, that’s when I realize there is only one way to go. More often than not, it is these moments that define us. That make us take our next step. Those gut turning, heart and mind breaking, lower than the lowest of lows I had ever ever EVER felt before, ended up being the moment I made a decision. I have been incredibly lucky in my life. Not in money, or fame, but on the inside. I am lucky to have learned to tap into that universal energy. I have learned that starting from the bottom is the only way I can achieve my absolute truth. How can I be the best version of myself? How am I going to change my today for my better tomorrow? How can I make a positive, impactful difference in someone’s life today? We know that when we give to others, we find the purest form of joy. So I’d like to give. I have taken my experience from this global shutdown, and decided to pursue my passion of painting and art. I have started selling it all online and have dedicated my time and energy into my skills. I also, decided to get financially literate. I have begun my new path. Financial Life Coaching for Individual Hospitality Workers. I will be a vessel of information for my peers! I’ll be a positive example of what a little self motivation today can do the change the entirety of all of their tomorrows. I want to help anyone who asks. I can help you take the small initiative to change your future, and give you peace of mind. Little effort, imaginable results! To all of my mentors, direct and indirect, that have impacted my life: the gratitude in my heart for the wisdom, the truth, and the literal countless examples you have gifted to me, can never be put into words. You have literally helped me in so many ways, and for that, I am incredibly thankful. You Are Radiant -Dana #beyourownbiggestcheerleader #loveyourselflikeyourlifedependsonit #bethelight #stevesims #mastermindtalks #drjoedispenza #tombilyeu #briancristiano #halelrod #bartenders #hospitalityindustry #bar

Thank you to all of these Foundations, Organizations, Initiatives and Individuals for finding me and helping me in the time of crisis. How unbelievable is our industry? An entire world of people who continue to give to each other. The instant family connection is my absolute favorite part of hospitality. The relationships we create are priceless. DONATIONS ARE STILL BEING ACCEPTED TO HELP MY INDUSTRY INITIATIVE paypal.me/gratefulbartender https://www.usbgfoundation.org/
leeinitiative.org
Jamesbeard.org
redmoonmarket.com Anotherroundanotherrally.org   Fashionnova.com   https://mccpppo.com restaurantstrong.org https://www.kulaideproductions.com/

This is my dream! I want to paint and share happiness with people who are lacking tools to grow. I feel like painting to me is my opportunity for self growth and inner development. So I want to share that. We need to glow as a collective and not be so separate and dis connected. In learning about myself, I have had profound awe-ha moments and some magical shifts. So sharing hope with others, especially young women is part of my vision.
In my search for inner love and awareness I have found many fascinating and incredible traits, behaviors, and so many rehearsed muscle memory (both physical and mental) actions I was taking and then I could really begin to see it in others. So I have started studying quantum mechanics! It is like Dr Joe Dispenza is like on this earth for me to hear! Also that App Gaia? Omg it is changing my game! I Bartend for the majority of my income right now, so I see on an hourly basis how routines, media, social disrespect and unawareness, technology, Covid, and lack of guidance in our systems that condone laziness and mediocre, narrow minded thinking. So I want to help bring awareness to our mindset, energy, self dialogue and mental blocks that are holding us back. I want to bring about a Global Glow if you will. 🙋‍♀️

A few days ago, I was speaking with my mentor @siobhan0323 about fears I was having that I think are holding me back about becoming successful and she said the most remarkable statement to me. She said “We already see the Greatness in you.” In that moment I Felt what I would describe as a small, super loving, ecstatic firework in my mind. Something that filled me up and said WoooaHH If they already see it I should See it. So this is me seeing it y’all🙏💫🎉🥰✨🙌🧘‍♀️😘
Every single day, when I wake up, the first thing I do is say ‘thank you!’ In my loop of thoughts and to dos for the morning I go over my Essential goals for the day. A few are to be kinder, more patient, actually listen to others and then speak, and to tap into the awareness of what I am emitting.
#raiseyourvibrations #raiseyourvibration #bebetter #wantmoredomore #dreamencourager #afterhoursartwork #bekinder #2ears1mouth #listentwiceasmuchaswespeak

I don't think I am the only one who has gone on the emotional rollercoaster during the pandemic. I have probably been on this ride more in this 66 days than I have in the last 7 years. One thing we learn, when we tune in, is that at that source of extreme sadness and feelings of loss, bring us to the base of our new journey. If the only constant is change, then keeping my mind open and positive will help me overcome the unknown challenges that are ahead of me. There have been some very big ideas that have crossed my mind over these two months. How can I overcome the struggle of our industry moving forward? How can I find the means to enhance my life moving forward? How am I going to be able to help my peers? Should I do something else? What would I do instead? What on Earth am I doing with my life? What actual makes me happy? I don't know if these are thoughts that you have experienced during this time or not, but I would love to hear each and every experience. I know, for me, this has turned on my desire to think outside the box. So what does out of the box look like for me? I am going to take some risks, trust myself, trust the universe, and believe in my abilites to change my world and better the worlds of those around me. I want to start the ripple effect with my peers, friends and family. We are all connected. We can support one another in ways that we did not before the global crisis. We can view the new normal as a precious gift to re-do our standards, remove our preconceived social prejudices, and exude compassion and empathy for everyone, everywhere. I have decided to begin a path to Financial & Life Coaching. I am going to use the experience, I personally have gone through to change the way people in the middle class look at their financial futures. Knowledge is power. I am taking my thoughts and turning them into action. Fixing my financial situation, gaining an education in finance, and learning how to execute learned knowledge, has led me to want to share this to all of the people that are in my same position. I would love to connect, share experiences and share hope. When I win, I want people around me to win, and then I want the people around them to win and so on. Where our energy goes, our energy flows. So flow with grace, and live the life you want. Live your dreams. Practice kindness to yourself. Exude high vibrations, be charasmatic and magnetic. You are so much more capable than you think. Until the next update from the Bartenders gone Financial! With Love & Gratitude, -Dana

Hello all! I’m Dana! I am a bartender and hospitality lifer. l I enjoy the opportunity for genuine connections we might not have had otherwise. We become mini pillars to our communities and neighborhoods. It is such a beautiful luxury of our field. I live in a positive headspace and thrive on helping others. Hospitality, restaurants and bars especially, have held my heart for 19 years. People in the industry just know our culture; the way we operate is quite different from many other industries. There is this known, but indescribable ease and acceptance when we meet “one our own.” Regulars, industry partners, and family members know about this unspoken support that comes when one mentions they are in the industry also. We support each other even when we don’t know each other! I’d like to tap into those connections of why we love our industry and why we all choose to stay in it! Imagine the web we could literally weave joining together, and using that connection for positive new normals. I am creating an initiative, starting in San Diego, to promote financial futures for non corporate service industry workers. I’m researching out and inquiring on how, or who would back us in such an endeavor! I have the ideas, I have the team, now we just need the producer. The new normal can be exactly what we all have thought it should have been! I Nothing is impossible! The whole world literally just got shutdown. Time for change is here. I believe goals can be met, and dreams can come true. Especially if we are all in. Featured as one of the best bartender blogs at: https://blog.feedspot.com/bartender_blogs/ #staysafe #bartenders #hospitalityindustry #bars #hotels #valets #backofhouse #chefs #frontofhouse #hostess #busser #expo #tipyourbartender #generous #givingback #bekindtooneanother #lovethyneighbor #lovethybartender #barbabe #bartenderlife #nightlife #clublife #bethelight #alonetogether #sandiegopadres #downtownsandiego #nextonesonme #cheerstoyou #randomactsofkindness #industrytoindustry #saveourrestaurants #saveourbars #restaurantstrong

“We are all just one hello away from being friends!” The connections we make at our local watering holes all over the world are priceless. Being a people person and an enthusiast about well ran establishments, I sincerely value all facets of Hospitality. Regulars to bartenders, regulars to regulars, performers to bartenders, cocktail servers to busser, runner to host, kitchen to doormen, management to vendors, vendors to promoters, promoters to djs, djs to the people, people back to the bartender, bartender to vendor, vendor back to management back to ... We are gifted with the opportunity to make genuine connections with our co-industry family every shift. There is just an incredible list of relationships. The best intangible part of the hospitality industry is this unspoken, known acceptance of what we do. There is this silent knowledge that we are there solely to create an experience for "them." We are there to give the people a recharge in their days. We are your favorites!
We are your Bartending confidants, supporters cheerleaders, friends, diaries, secret keepin, memory making, party throwing, tab startin instant bffs!

Remembering names, drinks, and facts about our guests and regulars always help bartenders stand out! Energy is a real component of what we do! Happy people attract happy people! Our vibe can set the tone of any given experience! Tapping into the energies around us, and learning to use them, is one of the biggest gifts the Bar has taught me. Becoming aware of how I speak to myself was where my real journey began. Positive Self-Talk has changed everything about my life. #bartender #bartenders #barbabes #georgeclooney #casamigos #randegerber #dreamscometrue #believeitachieveit #yourvibeattractsyourtribe #bekindtooneanother #whywouldntmyopinionmakeadifference #blog #blogging #tipyourbartenders #saveourbars Funding sent to PayPal.me/gratefulbartender will be transferred into Initiative Account for financial log

The light bulb turned on for me at the beginning of the 6th week of the lockdown in California. The reality of my industry bouncing back like the "old days" began to set in. The outlook for reopening America seems a little farther away than I have planned for. Then the other lightbulb turned on.
If I am in this state of financial affairs, how are some of my co-industry family members surviving? What will they do? More importantly, What can I do? I am not just a Bartender #ihaveanidea #newnormnewstandards #hospitalityindustry #serviceindustry #cocktails #saveourindustry #liquor #beer #craft #industrytoindustry #hospitality #tipyourbartenders #bartender #bartenders #nightlife #clublife #imwiththebartender #watchwhaticando #upliftthosearoundyou #attitudeofgratitude It hit me like an electric volt. It was as if my job title had been such a defining characteristic for me. My entire adult life I have worked in bars with like-minded, beautiful people. I never knew how people could not see how amazing bartending is. I realized almost two weeks ago that I have a voice. I have knowledge, resources, dedication, and a sincere, positive attitude that most people don't believe is real until they actually get to know me.
Living in the High Energy Vibrations has led me to trust in Me. I can impact our futures in the industries that we all call home. Guests and Workers alike rely on our bars and restaurants. It is not the place that makes it special... It is the blossoming new relationships between You and Me.

Dreams come true and hard work pays off!
Any of my friends, co-workers and favorite regulars will tell you what kind of frequency I emit. I pride Myself on being a positive bright light in my community! If you say something negative, or have a less than sparkling aura, I want to know how I can fix it! Take some of my sparkle, I'll give you my energy, and attention! Take comfort in knowing that everything is temporary and all of this will pass! We can be better, together! #blogging #bartender #baronline #spreadyoursparkle #barbabes #bethelight #bethechange #positivechange #bestfriends #tipyourbartenders #skinnygirlcocktails #teremana #celebritydonations #bekindtooneanother #onepersonsdream #covid19 #coronavirus #sharingiscaring #bartenderlife #serverlife #meetmeatthebar #anotherroundanotherrally #cheers #thisroundisonme #thankyouforhelpingme paypal.me/gratefulbartender

I am originally from San Bernardino. I moved to San Diego in 2004, right after I graduated from high school. I went to a private school called the Design Institute of San Diego, where I graduated with a BA Degree in Interior Design. I graduated in 2008, right after the recession hit. I had worked at a bar/restuarant for all four years so I had a job when I finished school... just not what I was applying for. While trying to find any work related to my field of study, I continued to work in at least one restaurant or bar. After many interviews, commutes, energy and disappointment, I realized I really deep down loved working in a restaurant. The market being so bad didn't help finding a career in such a luxury field. I was bummed out, but not for me. I just knew everyone else didn't see a "successful" future for me if I just stayed working at the bar. Moving forward to 2011, I hung up my server apron to try and find the "normalcy" of a "regular hour" type job. 9-5 working for a jewelry store in the mall is where I ended up. After about a year at the jewelry store, I swapped over to a jewelry repair shop. This did not last long either. Being confined in a box, in a mall, with all of the awful lights and no outside world was my least favorite working environment. I then moved to beautiful Alpine, on the eastern, mountain edges of San Diego County. Here I worked at a very small but very well known Italian Restaurant. I worked there for 5 years and gained an immense amount of bar knowledge, as well as mastering the attention to detail. While I worked in Alpine, I studied and passed my Real Estate exam. Trying to find my "calling" and "big girl job" was really the only reason I took the test. I believed that having the education in Design would be such a helpful tool in trying to sell a house. I ended my real estate career almost as fast as I started it. I am such a people person, but not a seller, nor a closer. So I accepted this and went back to the service industry and took a bartending job at a bar and restaurant. This time, I knew I had finally found a place where being a bartender was such a privilege. This establishment in beautiful Downtown San Diego, stole my heart from my very first orientation. It was as if all of the service standards and tools that I held value in, were their exact approach to business. It was the Universe working for me. This was my real dream job. I found a position, in a place built on principles, vision and hard work. I had finally found my missing puzzle piece. I found More than a future, I found a family. Everything had finally fallen into place, and I mean everything. I was healthy, happy, in love, working full time at One job. All of my efforts, lessons, and experience had led me to find such a phenomenal job. Everything in all areas of my life at 34 was by definition "incredible." Every single thing was perfect until Monday, March 16th when I lost my job because of the coronavirus. #bartenderlife #bartenderfamily #hospitality #dreamsandgoals #purposedrivenbartender #covid19 #influencersinfluencing #bartalk #canigetanotherdrinkplease #canigetatitosvodka #samadams #bestrong #BSTRONG #bekindtooneanother #cheerstoyou #haveanother #barbabes #barbae #donations #everylittlebithelps #alittletoyoumightbealottome #fullhandsinfullheartsout #girlsnightout #socialmedia paypal.me/gratefulbartender