Being vulnerable

A friend sent me this link to a TED talk that I found really great. The discussion of vulnerability by the speaker was really interesting because she was making the argument that people that operate from an open, vulnerable place are often much happier and satisfied with their lives. They're more willing and/or able to accept all the gifts that are offered to them because they believe that they are worthy. She hit this point pretty hard--we all need to remember that we are worthy of whatever we desire in life. We're worthy as we are right now--not 10 pounds from now, not a degree from now--right now!

 

 

The gremlin

I was talking to a friend last week about the inner gremlin we all have--that little voice that says you're not good enough, smart enough, thin enough, blahblahblahblah. It can be never-ending. She suggested taking a moment to acknowledge that voice for what it is--just a little gremlin-it's not the truth or God. My gremlin was working overtime a couple of weeks ago but after that conversation I've had an easier time at least recognizing it--it's still there but now I'm trying to just say "thanks for the advice but I've got this!"

For me the gremlin is working in tandem with my patience and anxiety. What if the goals that I have aren't possible, I'll never achieve them, I'll have to move far away, I'll have to sacrifice things that are dearly important to me--it's all impossible. My gremlin is particulary skilled at stressing me out. So I'm working on that--it's not easy.

What do you do to quiet your inner critic?

It's been a while!

In an effort to work on myself and achieve my goals I'm working with a woman that I know on some coaching. She's helping me identify obstacles that exist or that I've created and move through them quickly and efficiently so that I can be my best self. I'm excited to start the process and see where it leads. Here's the link if you're interested: http://www.mypowerfullifenow.com/.

I've been thinking a lot lately about how I can make the best of my current situation. I'm working on some new self-directed projects at work that I think have potential to make some important impacts for my department and community. Sometimes I find that when I'm working on projects that I've dreamed up it's harder to commit to them--there's no deadline, no one waiting for me to turn something in and I tend to procrastinate. To counteract that tendency I'm going to come up with a work plan that identifies specific tasks, work products, timelines and deadlines so that I have a way to be accountable.

On a side note we spent the weekend at a backcountry cabin with a bunch of friends. We skiied, ate, played in the snow, played cards, ate some more and then ate a little bit more (there might have been some drinks involved also). It was so great to get away from the regular life responsibilities and distractions--no to do list, no tv, no phone! Loved it!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I'm so thankful for my amazing daughter and husband who bring laughter and joy to my life everyday. I'm grateful for my family and friends who give me so much love and support. I'm thankful for this wonderful life that I have--full of family, friends, time outside, eating good food, and the opportunity to choose what I want my life to be about--not everyone is so lucky. I'm thankful.

Decide what to be and go be it

That title is from a song by the Avett Brothers--it sticks with me.

I had a long phone chat the other night with one of my best friends in the world. She's living in Tokyo right now so between kids, life and the time difference it can be really difficult to connect. After talking with her I felt re-energized and refocused. It was good to talk about our lives and talk about my goals and dreams, out loud, with her. I created this blog as a way of vocalizing my goals but sometimes it's even better to talk about them with the people that are closest to you. The feedback and response that I got from my friend helped me remember the bigger picture and reminded me that we're all on this path of trying to achieve our dreams and goals.

If you're feeling stuck give your friends a call. These are the people that you know best, know your strengths and weaknesses and are often your biggest cheerleaders. We all need input, help and support.

More goals

So I've decided that my new short term goals need to focus on where I'm at right now. My goals should be focused not so much on building my resume but making a difference right now in my job. So I'll work to be best I can be right where I'm at with the intention of making a difference.

I'm working on having faith that I am where I am supposed to be according to the Universe's plan. I definitely doubt that often but since I can't predict the future I want to have faith in the present. I think I've narrowed my path and goals over the past few months in a way that is beneficial. I'm not sure what the end result will be but I'm trying to keep my eye on the prize and it helps me to set short term goals so that I can see actual progress.

Here and now

I needed some inspiration today. I'm feeling in a bit of a lull after all of the excitement of the past few months. I haven't taken the time in the past couple of weeks to sit down and identify new short term goals for myself. Taking the time to write down short term goals is critical for me--it helps me stay focused and on track toward the greater goal--professional fulfillment and challenge.

 

I went to Oprah's website and looked at some of her "Lifeclass" lessons for some inspiration and found this:

 

"Do you have an "intention statement" for your life? If not, write one now by answering these two questions: 1) How do you want this world to be different because you lived? 2) How do you want to be different because you lived in this world?"

 

Here's my response:

I want this world to be more just, more compassionate and focused on intentional living, being mindful of how today's decisions affect tomorrow with regard to the environment, money, children, energy, relationships. 

I want to be more compassionate, patient, kind and generous because I've lived in this world. I want to put energy into the world that is positive rather than reactive or negative.

What do you think? What's your response?