Speak up

You can change the world, start with your own.  I am a firm believer in that concept that you get what you give.  If something is bothering you, sometimes there are ways to view the situation differently and accept it better.  If you have to travel for business and you don't want to, maybe you can incorporate a day of sightseeing into your agenda.

If you see those in need and cannot donate to help, maybe you can organize a fund raiser without having to donate items or cash yourself.  Sometimes all it takes is someone coming forth and starting the initiative.  There are so many ways that people can help others by donating time as well.

What would you like to change in your life?   Are you unemployed and loosing hope at even finding a job.  Turn a hobby into a money maker.  Make a list of things you like to do or skills that you have that are valuable and start your own business.

Find that Balance you Need

You are a work in progress.  We all are essentially a work in progress.  Are you happy?  What could you do to make yourself happier?.  Are you relaxing enough?  Find your balance this holiday season.  Take time to enjoy family and don't feel guilty if you take a break from your daily grind to pamper yourself.  This is a great time of the year to stay in a read a book for fun if you are a reader.  (I assume you are if you are reading this blog.)

Do not feel that you have to be accomplishing something every minute of the day.  The daily responsibilities will still be there escape for a few hours and do something you enjoy that is just for you, and guilt free.  You will most likely be more productive if you take breaks.  My escape is writing, yours may be a trip to the spa, mall, bookstore, library, tool store, etc. Find that balance in your life. 

It's a strange world! I will not jump...

Yes, at times it seems like the world is set up in a way that is not helpful to me,  I like to think that I am an adaptable person ,but I have been thinking back to Kindergarten, even Pre-School days.  There were circles of kids being told to jump in gym class.  Apparently I did not want to jump that particular day, so my mother received a call home describing her insubordinate daughter's lack of performance. Really? Was I the only kid who did not want to jump?  Why did the others jump on cue and betray me.  What are we teaching our children?  Don't be your own person....yeah, I think that was the message.

Not Sorry Yet

Do you seem to care less what others think as you age?  I know that this is true for me and some of my friends  It is truly admirable to be comfortable being yourself.  You are who you are, try to embrace life and motivate others.  Do not worry about offending others with your opinions.  It is ok to feel the way you feel.  Do not dwell on mistakes of the past, learn from them and move on.  Make a plan and stick to it.  If you want to accomplish something, get out of your own way and start the process of accomplishing that project.  For example, if you spend time thinking about all of the reasons why you would fail at something, you can spend equal time  thinking about why you would succeed. 

Let me tell you about myself for a moment.  I have Endometriosis and for many years have had to call into work frequently, miss classes and miss family events due to my illness.  I was able to obtain my Associates Degree, and am a few assignments away from completing my Bachelors Degree.  At one time a handful of years ago, I was fearful that I would not be able to hold a job due to the horrible symptoms of the disease.  Instead of giving up and staying out of the workforce, I applied for a job that I really wanted and it all worked out.  I was able to explain my illness to my co-workers and boss and have access to the restroom and be out sick when my symptoms were too serous to attend work.

During this time I attended classes and although I have had many operations over the past few years, I also have valuable education to be proud of.  My grade point average certainly would have been higher if I was not sick most of the time. But it is not a perfect world. 

If I can achieve part of my goal, you can too. Do not let life's trials and tribulations stop you from greatness.

Fear is not your friend

I am sure this is not news to you. Fear may be holding you back. Don't get me wrong, all fear is not bad, some fear keeps us safe and alive. The fear I am referring to is fear of success. Fear of your own success can be so toxic to your happiness. I want you to throw caution to the wind and sign up for that class, start your own blog, open your own online store, write that article, etc. Listen to the marketing genius at Nike who coined the phrase, Just do it! You are good enough, so go for it!

Are you doing your best right now?

If you answered yes, then you have nothing to feel bad about even if you have failed at something. If you know you gave the situation an honest effort, then move on and do better next time.

If you answered no, then you will need to figure out what you could have done differently to get the end result you desire.  Could you have spoken kinder, listened more, studied harder, paid more attention to the details of a project? 

Most importantly, don't beat yourself up over the past, do learn from it and move on knowing that next time you are faced with a similar situation, you might react in a more productive way.

If something bothers you let others know in a kind way.