Name: Elaine E. Ralls, PhD
Age: 69
Title: Founder of Commit Agency
Married/Single: Committed 🙂
Kids: Hmmm…his/mine and others? 5.
City you live in: Chandler
A typical day in my life includes…
up early for a “walking with weights” experience that includes enjoying Arizona’s sunrises. Morning time is quiet, spent with daily Sudoku and news updates/emails, then off for any combination of in-agency meetings and community involvement. I keep busy with various board and business organization commitments in the evenings, and love being home by 7:00pm or so to enjoy a glass of wine and get caught up with Ed. Early to bed by 9:00 as 8 hours there is my goal.
I was born…
in the garden spot of upstate New York, and grew up in Waterville, near Utica and Syracuse, graduating from Ithaca College in 1971 before heading west to Arizona to seek my fame and fortune.
My favorite thing about Arizona…
I love that in Arizona you can ski in the morning and play golf in the afternoon. Our geography provides unbelievable opportunities for outdoor activities and helps make us not only a golf and sports epicenter, but also a tourism capital. Arizona is a fabulous place to raise a family and a great place to learn to fly too…with 300+ days of sunshine and reliable weather forecasts!
I’m listening to…
books on tape. A variety of historical fiction, political insights, Ted Talks, and fiction like the Assassins Anonymous series by award winning author Heidi Hall (my “step” daughter-in-law).
My family…
is wild and wacky…and means everything to me. Staying close as we all grow and evolve is a blessing beyond belief. A daily focal point on my grateful list is my wonderful, supportive and loving family…we are strong.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be…
Jesus. Learning more on how to live a life of impact and worthiness.
One thing I cannot live without…
private time for selfcare, study, reflection and prayer.
When I was younger, I wanted to be…
an astronaut.
I’m inspired by…
acts of kindness.
The one person who motivates me is…
wow, there are so many. Simon Sinek’s “The Power of Why” is a favorite. Your why is your purpose or belief that inspires you to do what you do. When you think, act and communicate starting with your why, you will inspire others.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be…
to assure that people treat each other with respect.
The perfect day would be…
making memories with family, just hanging and doing things together, playing games, which definitely includes great food and fine wine on a deck somewhere or at someone’s home.
My first job was…
at Harding Nursing Home, a family business…carrying trays, visiting with residents, singing and dancing to entertain them, etc. I learned to respect and enjoy older people as well as those that care for them.
My favorite escape…
Pine, AZ.
My life…
I have a personal brand called, “One Big Life”, and have been blessed with an entrepreneurial spirit in business, hobbies, and even relationships. I want it all…great business, great clients, great friends, great family. Each day I look in the mirror and ask myself, ”Do I have what it takes today to live One Big Life? How can I help others do that?” .
I’m currently working on…
rewiring. Everyone asks when I’m going to retire. I think that rewire is a better term for me, so stay tuned.
Always…
keep learning new things. Keep making plans. Keep making an impact.
Never…
forget how fortunate we are to live in America and to respect and protect our freedoms.
Favorite Quote…
“Everything will be alright in the end. If things are not alright, it must not be the end.” – The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.
Biggest Dream…
to positively impact everyone that I cross paths with until my time comes to hear the words “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
My Pet Peeve(s)…
negativity or closed mindedness. Relationships with people that cannot hear other opinions or that make themselves feel good by putting others down.
