I admit it. I am a secret listener of Martha Stewart radio on Sirius. It's a recent addiction for me as I just discovered it three weeks ago. In the three years I've had Sirius I found myself rarely moving from the same six channels: The Pulse, The 70's, Coffeehouse, Margaritaville, Comedy, and The 80's. Then one day, I decided to flip up the channels when I was bored. That day, I listened to a career coach on Martha Stewart. I wish I had written down her name in my journal...but I was so engrossed that I forgot. A caller asked, "what am I to do now that I've been laid off." My pulse raced - it was as if I had called in! The coach said, the first thing we should do when offered the opportunity to "reinvent" ourselves is to think "what would I do, if I knew I could not fail."
Do you know how difficult a question that is to me? There are so many things. A writer, a photographer, a chef, a designer.....all of the dreams. Then, she tempered the thought with two follow-up questions. "Are you accomplishing any of those aspirations in your personal life?" Okay - yes, I am. And, "Can you think of a career that you have the talent for that would incorporate these aspirations realistically?" That is difficult....Okay, that is my goal for January. Really take a hard look at my resume, my skill set, and my aspirations and see if there is something that will blend all the aspects of me.
And notice, I'm using a word today that I haven't used in a while. "Aspirations" - a strong desire to achieve something high or great. An object of such desire. This word struck me today, again listening to MS radio. I'm also listing my aspirations in my journal - to see where my heart's desires lie. I know in general....but sometimes I fail in really looking at what steps I need to take to make aspirations come true. So, there is a second goals for me.
Finally, inspirations. I am so inspired by so many people but I get bogged down in the actions - which is a weird fix for an organized person like me. As I've admitted about my personal life - I get whelmed when the task seems too large. So, my third goal is to examine my inspirations. To break them down into achievable steps and to build foundations underneath my castles in the air.
I'm not a resolution type person...as Will Smith said (and I may be quoting this loosely), "if it's important enough - work on it now, not later."
I was trying to tell a friend that very thing - don't wait til retirement to start painting - do it now!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you're taking the time to find out if there's something you can do with your photography and writing and design that will blend with your career. How fun!
I wish you nothing but the best with your aspirations and inspirations!
It's funny how some things come along exactly when you need them to..big things for you dear char! xo t
ReplyDeleteBest of luck to you! 2009 is going to be a GREAT year! I'm positive that with your creativity you'll succeed!
ReplyDeleteYup, you were meant to hear that show and have it get you thinking! If you aren't already getting paid for your photos, I think there's a spot in your life to get the money coming in, but that's just my opinion...
ReplyDeletehmmm . . . very good thoughts here. living in the fear of a layoff, i can identify and draw a lot of encouragement from this post. like i said, your time is allowing you to be such an encouragement to others.
ReplyDeletei'd love to discover what it is you would to if you knew you could not fail. i'm sure in the very near future we will find out.
can't wait to see what this year has for you, friend.
Sounds like a great program! My big fear is money at the moment. For me it would be "what would I do, if I knew I could afford it." The list would be endless. I hope to accomplish everything on that list, this year.
ReplyDeleteHope you are enjoying the New Year!
I love the word "aspirations" instead of resolutions. How destined you were to hear that broadcast.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to look at life! So many people just fall into whatever it is they do; to make something positive out of a negative experience -- to remake your life -- is so affirming. Your photos are so beautiful; I really hope that you can take this talent and run with it. Best of luck in 2009. :)
ReplyDeleteWow, this sounds just like me. I find myself getting overwhelmed too. I see what others are doing and I want to be the same way, but I flounder about, not knowing where to start. I feel like I'm in much the same boat as you are right now. I'm curious to follow this journey you're on and I'm rooting for you along the way :)
ReplyDeleteChris - funny how much we are alike. I'm rooting for you too - that's the good thing about this world, we can all be cheerleaders for each other. Shall I pass along a knife and fork for you too?
ReplyDeleteMary - thank you so much for dropping by. I always believe there is a lesson, whether we really wanted it or not. Which always makes me think of John Lennon. "Life is what happens while we were making other plans"
ReplyDeleteJennifer - I think I was, as "they" say, there are no coincidences. (I'm not sure if I believe that...but) I did get a lot out of the program and it got my brain to working - and as Martha would say, it's a very good thing.
ReplyDeleteDC - my fear is money too. I'm ok right now, but things will become dire if it takes a while to replace my job.
ReplyDeleteGeorgia - I love your idea about your Fridays. I am going to search outlets next week to maybe follow in your footsteps on that one.
ReplyDeleteDru - thank you for the compliment. I'm considering opening an etsy shop with my sister (she makes beautiful necklaces) but I do know that I do not want photography to be my main source of income at this time. I've found in the past when hobbies become my job, I grow very tired of them.
ReplyDeleteVSM - thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteTraci - you are so right. Good things in 2009, we have claimed it, right? xo
ReplyDeleteEva - Thank you!!!
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