Wednesday, January 26, 2011

The Easy Way Out?

Okay, I know, I know, what happened to the goal of one blog post per week  for 2011?  Yes, I realize I already re-committed to my resolutions last week and I am once-again falling short of the goal line.

Rather than scoring a goose egg by the end of the year and being disappointed in myself (once again) I've decided to take the easy way out.

Or is it?

My new goal for 2011 (and it is my only goal, or resolution) is to adopt The Power of The Secret which, according to author Rhonda Byrne,  is LOVE.  This means that all of my thoughts and energy will be born out of love.  This sense of positivity that originates out of love will generate all that the law of attraction will allow me to receive.  

Sounds hokey but I am willing to embrace this idea.  And, coming from a person who has been encased in negativity for a long time, this should be a challenging exercise.  So, it's not really an 'easy way out'.

I envision my conduct throughout 2011 to involve conscious decision-making efforts all derived from a positive place of love.  In looking back on the last few weeks since the beginning of the year I can already spot a couple of incidences where I've altered my behavior and affirmed my minor contribution to the universe.

I offered to proofread my niece's website and summarize the corrections and enhancements.  When I completed the task my niece asked how much she owed me.  I never went into the project for monetary gain.  I offered my assistance because I want my niece to continue her success and I was happy to find a way that I could contribute my skills and talents.  It felt good to give my time to a person I care about.  My actions came out of love.

I was in the check-out line at the Aldi grocery store last Saturday.  I went with $60 in my wallet and planned my purchase to the dollar.  It's the stuff we do to make ends meet in this economy.  There was a young woman in front of me with two young children.  I overheard the cashier give a total and watched as items had to be deducted so that the woman could make her purchase with the money she had.  She was about to put away the bunch of bananas and was only $1 short.  I spoke up and told the cashier that I would cover the dollar.  No, it wasn't a big deal but to me seeing young kids denied healthy fruit was ridiculous.  I guess I did this out of my love for humanity and caring that kids have healthy foods in their diet.  Yes, I had just enough money for my own purchase.

One of my best AVON clients wrote a check for her purchase.  By accident she wrote the wrong amount.  She was only short a couple of dollars.  To me, her overall business track record with me is the most important thing.  Losing a couple of dollars is nothing compared to maintaining a long business relationship.  I'd rather have a happy customer than a customer peeved that she had to dig back in her pocket for a couple of bucks.  My customer's satisfaction is the most important thing when it comes to my AVON business.

A friend has been documenting her dating mishaps on Facebook.  As I read about each disappointing rendezvous I got bummed out for her.  I really want her to have a successful dating and love life, one that enhances her happiness.  She is such a wonderful and smart woman.  She deserves someone of her caliber and intelligence.  So, I wrote her a note offering support and suggestions for expanding her network of possibilities.  I may have crossed the line but it totally came out of love and care for my friend's happiness.

Finally, since my youngest returned to school after winter break I boxed up the Playstation 2 and Microsoft XBOX 360 game systems and video games.  I placed them on the top shelf in the closet.  Last Friday was the last day of the quarter.  While my original guideline was to evaluate whether or not they would reappear after a report card was in hand, I changed my mind.  Why? You may ask (or not).  Well, the short answer is I love my son and want him to be happy.  It was a long weekend (he had Monday off for a teacher work day) and I really respected how hard he worked the last couple of weeks.  I'm not sure if he made the A/B honor roll (I'll find out this Friday) but I know he put forth the effort and I truly love him for that.

So, operating from a place of love and positivity will definitely have it's challenges this year.  I will continue to pat myself on the back for the little changes I make and the victories.  I'll strive to give more and operate my daily life from a place of positivity.

Do you have a cavity yet from all of the sugary sweetness?




Friday, January 14, 2011

Resolutions: Revisited, Rewritten, and Recommitted

So, it's two weeks into the new year and it's time to reinstate my resolutions already!  No surprise really.  It really is nearly impossible to teach an old dog new tricks.  Hey, at least I'm willing to take another stab at it.

Starting today I am going to specifically outline my weekly plan and goals for 2011.

1.  Submit at least one blog post per week on Buzz Buckingham.  So, by the end of 2011 I should have at least 52 separate blog entries.

2.  Walk, do a tape/dvd, or other physical form of exercise for at least 30 minutes per day.  Yep, this even includes weekends.

3.  Slim down to a 32 inch waist by 12/31/2011.  According to Dr. Oz a healthy waist measurement is one-half our height.  I really have my work cut out for me!

4.  Write my novel by the end of the year.  This will be accomplished by devoting approximately 60 hours per week to writing.

5.  Fully participate in Nanowrimo during the month of November.  Finish the required amount of words on time.

This looks like a full plate to me.  All of the goals are easily measurable. So, next New Year's Day I'll be creating a blog entry divulging how well I accomplished each of the above goals.

Wish me luck!

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Passion

Dear Justin, 
 
I REALLY enjoyed having you at home during the holidays.  I hope you are 
well-rested and looking forward to starting your spring semester at UNCG.  
You're in a good position because now you know what is required to perform at a 
higher level in college.  I am proud that you made the mature decision to remove 
the potential distractions and start off on the right foot. 
 
Your words of wisdom last night at Ragazzi's really rang true today.  Nicolas 
performed poorly at his audition and I tried so hard to restrain from really 
laying into him.  I realize now that only HE can do what is required and as you 
said HE needs to find a motivation to perform.  I can't push him or it will 
backfire.  Unfortunately, he 'shut down' like he's done for years and that is 
something I cannot control.  Your words of wisdom are thoughtful and caring when 
it comes to your brother.  I am so proud and impressed with how well you 
expressed your opinion and observations on the subject.  I do think psychology 
is your calling. 
 
And speaking on the subject of talents and skills something else you shared 
while you were home has been weighing on my mind.  When you confessed something 
to the effect that you know you'll never be great at music so you're not gonna 
pursue it, I have to say this really bothered me.  You ARE musically inclined.  
And you SHOULD continue to study music.  It is and has been a special kind of 
therapy for you that has helped you express yourself and explore your 
creativity.  I have observed that music, for you, may indeed be YOUR PASSION! 
 
While you may not foresee yourself becoming the next Eric Clapton or Chopin you 
should never give up your passion.  Our passion is what drives us as humans.  It 
can make the difference of a 'so-so' life and a life that is fulfilled and, dare 
I say, 'Happy'. 
 
I must pass on this wisdom to you right now, at this very moment, for I too gave 
up my passion during college when I realized, by others standards (and my own) 
that I was not 'good enough'.  Now, at my ripe old age of 45, I realize that by 
giving up what gave me joy I've short-changed my life of potential 'inner' 
happiness.  And 'inner' happiness is probably the most important of all.  If we 
are not fulfilled within ourselves we live our lives with an emptiness and a 
feeling of not ever being good enough.  We measure our wealth based on other's 
opinions and that is not right. 
 
When I was a little girl I enjoyed sketching and painting in water colors.  I 
pursued my interest in high school and had plans to study it in college.  But, 
one of my teachers criticized me and this hurt my self-confidence.  I felt so 
inadequate that I NEVER took an art class in college.  And, art was my PASSION!  
Now that I am in the middle of my life I realize that what I've been searching 
for all of these years is what makes me happy, what fulfills me.  I realize that 
art, writing, and creating is my PASSION.  And, while I don't necessarily have 
regrets, I do wish that I went with my gut and what gave me inspiration, joy, 
and happiness. 
 
Please take my advice seriously.  I love when you make music and it makes ME 
feel good.  When I see the joy it brings you, it is inspiring.  Please continue 
to use music as an outlet to create and be yourself.  Use music as your joy and 
don't let ANYONE discourage you.  You are musically talented and have always 
been.  Chorus, clarinet, guitar, piano...whatever you touch turns to gold; don't 
forget it! 
 
Love you so much, 
 
Mom