One of the more important things I have been reminded of lately is just how busy I can get. I haven't blogged in almost 3 weeks.
Busy is good, translation for me, business is good. Hmmmm...maybe time management is the issue?
How busy are you?
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
Creative
Number six on the list is creative. I'm not sure if more is being written on the subject right now, or if I just see the subject more. Either way, the subject of creativity has been at the center of my thoughts for a few months now. I use these words in the broader context such as people who think and then develop products, services, or actions based on those thoughts. Most of my friends work in a creative job that requires thought, development, implementation of something that does not already exist. The same concept can be applied to life - thinking about where we are, deciding where we want to go and developing a method to get there.
In 2009, I am more receptive to the term creative. I realize that I am part of the creative class and what I have is a result of what I have created (good and bad). I am creating more of what makes me happy, less of what makes me unhappy, and a professional and personal direction that reflects who I am.
Do you consider yourself to be creative? Are you creating what you want or what you don't want?
In 2009, I am more receptive to the term creative. I realize that I am part of the creative class and what I have is a result of what I have created (good and bad). I am creating more of what makes me happy, less of what makes me unhappy, and a professional and personal direction that reflects who I am.
Do you consider yourself to be creative? Are you creating what you want or what you don't want?
Sunday, January 18, 2009
This Week's Lessons
I was reminded of a few lessons this week.
1. Communication is vital - no one knows what you are thinking or feeling unless you tell them. Your friends, loved ones, or colleagues do not read your mind nor do they see the world the same way you do. It's crucial to tell people what you want them to know.
2. Friendships are transitory - Most of us are blessed with having a large number of friends in our lifetime. Our friendships run in cycles. A majority reach an end after a few years, while a special few will have peaks and valleys for the remainder of our lives. But, all will experience cycles of closeness and farness - and that is OK.
3. Overcoming the fear of failure - life is too short not to experience things because of fear. The saying "feel the fear and do it anyway" is something to live by. Truly living, for me, means pushing myself out of my comfort zone and overcoming my fear of failing.
4. Breathing usually makes everything alright - and when fear seems to be looming, breathing and breathing again can make the difference.
What lessons were you reminded of this week?
1. Communication is vital - no one knows what you are thinking or feeling unless you tell them. Your friends, loved ones, or colleagues do not read your mind nor do they see the world the same way you do. It's crucial to tell people what you want them to know.
2. Friendships are transitory - Most of us are blessed with having a large number of friends in our lifetime. Our friendships run in cycles. A majority reach an end after a few years, while a special few will have peaks and valleys for the remainder of our lives. But, all will experience cycles of closeness and farness - and that is OK.
3. Overcoming the fear of failure - life is too short not to experience things because of fear. The saying "feel the fear and do it anyway" is something to live by. Truly living, for me, means pushing myself out of my comfort zone and overcoming my fear of failing.
4. Breathing usually makes everything alright - and when fear seems to be looming, breathing and breathing again can make the difference.
What lessons were you reminded of this week?
Friday, January 16, 2009
Connect in 2009
Number 5 on the Words of 2009 list is connect. This is an interesting word. Connect is vague. It doesn't have the rigidity of saying "make new friends, find new contacts, or get involved with someone." It is less ominous, more fluid, more spontaneous. It is an "in the moment" action. I like the word.
Everyday life, for most of us, is hectic. The "to do list" is always longer than the amount of time we have (or choose to have) to get it all done. During the work week, it seems every movement has a purpose and in many cases, a deadline. In those times, where we don't have a deadline or a mission, our minds are usually going over important details of our life. We go through our days focused on ourselves. The demands of our current world often keep us from making the incidental connections with those we meet and also, can keep us from making the more important connections with those closer to us. Connecting and continuing to connect is what builds relationships whether they are friendships, professional relationships or romantic relationships. Connecting is important.
How do we get out of the rut and reach out to other people?
1. Be in the moment - when you are out and around others, be there, listen and talk. Brevity is OK as long as there is sincerity.
2. Smile - Body language is HUGE. People see what your body communicates not what your words say. Smile, relax, and enjoy the moment.
3. Take it for what it is - whatever experience you are having, take it for what it is - a momentary diversion from life, a chance to make someone else feel good, a learning opportunity, time to share with a loved one, etc.
4. Just do it - make the time and make connecting a priority.
Anyone, any day can change our lives. Don't miss those opportunities.
Everyday life, for most of us, is hectic. The "to do list" is always longer than the amount of time we have (or choose to have) to get it all done. During the work week, it seems every movement has a purpose and in many cases, a deadline. In those times, where we don't have a deadline or a mission, our minds are usually going over important details of our life. We go through our days focused on ourselves. The demands of our current world often keep us from making the incidental connections with those we meet and also, can keep us from making the more important connections with those closer to us. Connecting and continuing to connect is what builds relationships whether they are friendships, professional relationships or romantic relationships. Connecting is important.
How do we get out of the rut and reach out to other people?
1. Be in the moment - when you are out and around others, be there, listen and talk. Brevity is OK as long as there is sincerity.
2. Smile - Body language is HUGE. People see what your body communicates not what your words say. Smile, relax, and enjoy the moment.
3. Take it for what it is - whatever experience you are having, take it for what it is - a momentary diversion from life, a chance to make someone else feel good, a learning opportunity, time to share with a loved one, etc.
4. Just do it - make the time and make connecting a priority.
Anyone, any day can change our lives. Don't miss those opportunities.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Money in 2009
Number 4 on my Words of 2009 list is money. I will admit that I want to make A LOT of money in 2009. Though, the focus really is to fine tune my career direction so that I am doing what I enjoy, living the type of life that works for me and that, of course, I am making A LOT of money.
Suze Orman has great material on how to be wiser with money. Jim Kramer is out there helping people make money investing. There is no lack of information available on making, saving, and investing money. My problem is that I like simple and easy. My second problem is that reading, talking, or thinking about finances BORES me. So, how do I keep focus on the word "money" in 2009? By following simple and easy steps that work for me. It's funny that as I have gotten older, I seem to come back to the "what works for me" philosophy - part intelligence, part intuition, part understanding myself. Here are my simple and easy steps:
1. Make more money - there is opportunity to make money in a downturn. There are things I can do to bring it different types of projects or make my stock of higher value i.e. getting a Project Management Professional certification. Also, there are other adjunct teaching positions that I can apply for. And, niche blogging is an option.
2. Don't spend as much - Hello? I have gotten into a very bad habit of eating out and eating at home, even half of that time, would make a difference. A good portion of my purchases are unconscious or impulse purchases - I should be making conscious decisions on where my money goes. Books and my wardrobe are important to me but having the latest ipod over my shuffle won't make a big difference in my quality of living.
3. Think more big picture - I find that the purchases I can do without are usually the ones that are based on wanting something for the immediate pleasure. Staying focused on the big picture will help me earn and spend money in relation to where I want to be in the future and what I want my life to look like.
So, a few money guidelines for 2009. Do you stop to think about your relationship to money? Do you have some "guidelines" for 2009 or a philosophy the rest of us could benefit from? If you don't think about it or have a philosphy, you should.
Suze Orman has great material on how to be wiser with money. Jim Kramer is out there helping people make money investing. There is no lack of information available on making, saving, and investing money. My problem is that I like simple and easy. My second problem is that reading, talking, or thinking about finances BORES me. So, how do I keep focus on the word "money" in 2009? By following simple and easy steps that work for me. It's funny that as I have gotten older, I seem to come back to the "what works for me" philosophy - part intelligence, part intuition, part understanding myself. Here are my simple and easy steps:
1. Make more money - there is opportunity to make money in a downturn. There are things I can do to bring it different types of projects or make my stock of higher value i.e. getting a Project Management Professional certification. Also, there are other adjunct teaching positions that I can apply for. And, niche blogging is an option.
2. Don't spend as much - Hello? I have gotten into a very bad habit of eating out and eating at home, even half of that time, would make a difference. A good portion of my purchases are unconscious or impulse purchases - I should be making conscious decisions on where my money goes. Books and my wardrobe are important to me but having the latest ipod over my shuffle won't make a big difference in my quality of living.
3. Think more big picture - I find that the purchases I can do without are usually the ones that are based on wanting something for the immediate pleasure. Staying focused on the big picture will help me earn and spend money in relation to where I want to be in the future and what I want my life to look like.
So, a few money guidelines for 2009. Do you stop to think about your relationship to money? Do you have some "guidelines" for 2009 or a philosophy the rest of us could benefit from? If you don't think about it or have a philosphy, you should.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Last Week's Lessons
My friend Devon made a very good point in regard to my blog - how can you plan the "lessons" a month in advance? There is some truth to that. So, I've decided to do a weekend recap of the lessons I have learned (or have been reminded of) this past week!
1. As much as I want to believe that our society has progressed in regard to equal rights and treating people fairly, we have not. I watched the movie "Milk" on Saturday.
2. People can be full of crap. How do you determine when someone you meet is telling you the truth or just giving you a line of BS?
3. A Garmin GPS may be a good investment after I spent 45 minutes looking for my hotel in Clearwater.
4. Always know where the horse's hooves are - if you don't you will get stepped on.
5. Everyone has problems and usually, mine pale in comparison.
6. I overestimate the time I have available for blogging. - hence last week's lessons being posted this week!
1. As much as I want to believe that our society has progressed in regard to equal rights and treating people fairly, we have not. I watched the movie "Milk" on Saturday.
2. People can be full of crap. How do you determine when someone you meet is telling you the truth or just giving you a line of BS?
3. A Garmin GPS may be a good investment after I spent 45 minutes looking for my hotel in Clearwater.
4. Always know where the horse's hooves are - if you don't you will get stepped on.
5. Everyone has problems and usually, mine pale in comparison.
6. I overestimate the time I have available for blogging. - hence last week's lessons being posted this week!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Forgiveness - yikes!
Number three on my Words of 2009 list is forgiveness - just typing the word makes my stomach jump. Forgiveness encompasses so much that I won't even begin to delve deeply into it. The depth of which someone needs to reach, in some instances, can be tremendous. Whatever experiences you have had, work through them and learn to forgive yourself and others.
In the context of my word list, I am referring to the basic interactions we have with friends, significant others, and ourselves that leave us wounded in some way (hurt, angry, etc). These interactions can be carried around for years and, in the case of ourselves, sometimes a lifetime. A good quote I came across says "Life is not as serious as my mind makes it out to be". It's true.
Most of us do the best we can in any given situation. Sometimes, we don't do the right things. I think we have a harder time forgiving ourselves than we do in forgiving others. And, also, I think we refuse to forgive others because we can't forgive ourselves (projection). Regardless, forgiveness is important. It frees our minds and allows us to enjoy life.
Remember, we all do the best we can given the context of our own lives. That doesn't mean we should tolerate bad behavior, there is a difference. Accept people for who they are and respect yourself for who you are. Acknowledge something happened, accept it happened, and move on.
If there is some lingering issue, start today to forgive yourself and/or others. The "how to" of forgiveness is up to you. I wish I had the answer to that one.
In the context of my word list, I am referring to the basic interactions we have with friends, significant others, and ourselves that leave us wounded in some way (hurt, angry, etc). These interactions can be carried around for years and, in the case of ourselves, sometimes a lifetime. A good quote I came across says "Life is not as serious as my mind makes it out to be". It's true.
Most of us do the best we can in any given situation. Sometimes, we don't do the right things. I think we have a harder time forgiving ourselves than we do in forgiving others. And, also, I think we refuse to forgive others because we can't forgive ourselves (projection). Regardless, forgiveness is important. It frees our minds and allows us to enjoy life.
Remember, we all do the best we can given the context of our own lives. That doesn't mean we should tolerate bad behavior, there is a difference. Accept people for who they are and respect yourself for who you are. Acknowledge something happened, accept it happened, and move on.
If there is some lingering issue, start today to forgive yourself and/or others. The "how to" of forgiveness is up to you. I wish I had the answer to that one.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Experience!
Number two on the Words for 2009 list is experience. I'm not talking about the things that have been done in the past, but getting out and participating in new things. Have new and different experiences.
The pace at which most of us seem to move these days is fast and hectic. In fact, the two week holiday break seemed to come and go in the blink of an eye. With this fast pace comes a tendency to fall into a routine. At the end of a long day, habit will send us to eat at one of four or five restaurants we frequent. Or when the weekend comes and we are tired and want to relax, its easier to choose activities we are comfortable with and are familiar with.
While these restaurants and activities are fine, they don't add to our lives (because they are already there!). There is a place in life for the "new" and fun. We just have to take the time and the effort to go out and experience those new things. Rich and diverse experiences lead to a rich and diverse life. New experiences help us grow and see the world through new eyes. New people to add to your network of friends, new activities and events give you something new to talk about with others, new thoughts stimulate new ideas.
Add one new experience a week - it will make a difference. I saw a familiar and fitting quote again, just yesterday, "I don't regret the things I have done, I regret the things I didn't do." Keep that in mind as you move through 2009.
What new experience will you have this week?
The pace at which most of us seem to move these days is fast and hectic. In fact, the two week holiday break seemed to come and go in the blink of an eye. With this fast pace comes a tendency to fall into a routine. At the end of a long day, habit will send us to eat at one of four or five restaurants we frequent. Or when the weekend comes and we are tired and want to relax, its easier to choose activities we are comfortable with and are familiar with.
While these restaurants and activities are fine, they don't add to our lives (because they are already there!). There is a place in life for the "new" and fun. We just have to take the time and the effort to go out and experience those new things. Rich and diverse experiences lead to a rich and diverse life. New experiences help us grow and see the world through new eyes. New people to add to your network of friends, new activities and events give you something new to talk about with others, new thoughts stimulate new ideas.
Add one new experience a week - it will make a difference. I saw a familiar and fitting quote again, just yesterday, "I don't regret the things I have done, I regret the things I didn't do." Keep that in mind as you move through 2009.
What new experience will you have this week?
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Blog Goals for 2009
Even though I don't have 2009 personal goals per se, I did sit down and define some blogging goals. This really started out as an experiment to see if I had the discipline to stay with a routine of writing and also a way in which I could work on my thinking and writing skills. If I am going to continue, I need to move forward. Here are my goals:
1. Define the blog theme - "life and lessons from a 40 something professional woman" Ha!
2. Post 3 times a week
3. Plan topics for posts a month in advance
4. Interact with other bloggers and commenters
5. Improve my writing
Are you blogging? What is your blog's purpose? Do you have 2009 goals?
1. Define the blog theme - "life and lessons from a 40 something professional woman" Ha!
2. Post 3 times a week
3. Plan topics for posts a month in advance
4. Interact with other bloggers and commenters
5. Improve my writing
Are you blogging? What is your blog's purpose? Do you have 2009 goals?
Friday, January 2, 2009
Self-Confidence
Self-confidence is the first word of my Words of 2009 list.
I read a good quote a few weeks ago that said something along the lines of self-confidence being a powerful accessory for women. Then, I saw a blog post that people would do better by working on their self-confidence after the author witnessed someone deliver a poor pickup line. The idea of self-confidence has been perculating in my head ever since.
Self-confidence is a powerful force for all of us - not just women. On the surface, it appears as though men display this more than women. And, because I am a woman, I see it from my perspective. We are all self-confident when it comes to our ability to do something. The disconnect is that we don't apply that same self-confidence to our core selves. "I am confident in my ability to do X and Y. I am not confident in who I am at my core." We are bombarded everyday by media messages, friends, partners, etc who chip away at our core. Most of the time, these people aren't trying to be mean, they are just passing on their standards, wants, needs, etc to others. It is possible to get lost in the demands of life.
Yes, we can gain much more by working on our self-confidence. I am self-confident in some areas of my life, but not enough. Here's how I am going to use this word in 2009:
1. Know who I am.
2. Make decisions that support who I am.
3. Embrace failure instead of fear it.
4. Recognize when I have done a good job.
5. Think "self-confidence".
How does the word self-confidence play out in your life?
I read a good quote a few weeks ago that said something along the lines of self-confidence being a powerful accessory for women. Then, I saw a blog post that people would do better by working on their self-confidence after the author witnessed someone deliver a poor pickup line. The idea of self-confidence has been perculating in my head ever since.
Self-confidence is a powerful force for all of us - not just women. On the surface, it appears as though men display this more than women. And, because I am a woman, I see it from my perspective. We are all self-confident when it comes to our ability to do something. The disconnect is that we don't apply that same self-confidence to our core selves. "I am confident in my ability to do X and Y. I am not confident in who I am at my core." We are bombarded everyday by media messages, friends, partners, etc who chip away at our core. Most of the time, these people aren't trying to be mean, they are just passing on their standards, wants, needs, etc to others. It is possible to get lost in the demands of life.
Yes, we can gain much more by working on our self-confidence. I am self-confident in some areas of my life, but not enough. Here's how I am going to use this word in 2009:
1. Know who I am.
2. Make decisions that support who I am.
3. Embrace failure instead of fear it.
4. Recognize when I have done a good job.
5. Think "self-confidence".
How does the word self-confidence play out in your life?
Thursday, January 1, 2009
A Few Words for 2009
Instead of writing out a list of resolutions, I thought I would write out a list of words to focus on in 2009.
1. Self confidence - don't forget who you are (I am) and what you (I) are capable of
2. Experience - the world has A LOT to offer. See, feel, touch, experience everything possible.
3. Forgiveness - myself first. Life is too short. You never know why people (or you/I) make the choices they do, but we all make mistakes.
4. Money - I will admit it. I want to make a lot of money in 2009.
5. Connect - share some of yourself (myself) with others.
6. Creative - we are all creative, maybe not in the traditional artsy since, but we have it - find yours (and mine).
7. Bohemian - "lives and acts free of regard for conventional rules and practices". Sometimes, you (I) just need a bit of freedom!
8. Read - if you don't do it, start. Will Smith said something along the lines of "if you read and run everyday, there is nothing you will want".
9. Think - a lost art.
10. Focus - Put your (my) attention on what is important and let the other things fade away.
11. Balance - the right mix of everything that works for you. And, by you, I really do mean you (and me).
12. Fearless - feel the fear and do it anyway!
Enjoy your 2009. I know I will!
1. Self confidence - don't forget who you are (I am) and what you (I) are capable of
2. Experience - the world has A LOT to offer. See, feel, touch, experience everything possible.
3. Forgiveness - myself first. Life is too short. You never know why people (or you/I) make the choices they do, but we all make mistakes.
4. Money - I will admit it. I want to make a lot of money in 2009.
5. Connect - share some of yourself (myself) with others.
6. Creative - we are all creative, maybe not in the traditional artsy since, but we have it - find yours (and mine).
7. Bohemian - "lives and acts free of regard for conventional rules and practices". Sometimes, you (I) just need a bit of freedom!
8. Read - if you don't do it, start. Will Smith said something along the lines of "if you read and run everyday, there is nothing you will want".
9. Think - a lost art.
10. Focus - Put your (my) attention on what is important and let the other things fade away.
11. Balance - the right mix of everything that works for you. And, by you, I really do mean you (and me).
12. Fearless - feel the fear and do it anyway!
Enjoy your 2009. I know I will!
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