Getting LinkedIn has been a most pleasant surprise!

 

I have now gotten to the point in which my reaching out has got to reach out farther. And so, I joined LinkedIn. I have been putting off this type of outreach for a while.

There are many reasons for my joining the LinkedIn community.

Basically, I have decided that working outside the home, part-time, may not be such a bad idea.  Also, I felt that this site would enable me to connect with other bloggers on a different and more profession level. And since I have started another blog, Piece Of My Mind, I thought it best to spread myself around a bit more.

 

I must admit that I had great apprehensions because of my preconceived notions about LinkedIn. I thought that it would have a professional smugness about it and that it would not lend itself well to those of us who do not hold a fancy higher educational degree. These were a couple of the reasons why I had put joining in for so long. Only after I took the plunge did I realize how wrong I was.

As a LinkedIn member, I now have access to a plethora of opportunities I would otherwise not have ever known about. There are not only business contacts and job listings but also blogging groups and many more connections on many different levels just waiting to be made.

 

So why am I sharing this with you, dear reader? Well, for me, this was another lesson in assumptions. That being so, I thought that maybe a few of you may benefit from what I learned and how I made my approach. Having these assumptions can hinder you greatly from making the changes and advancements that you may need to make.

Also, assumptions based on fear are never a good idea. In order to avoid this type of behavior one must first come to terms with what scares them. Since fear is usually the driving force behind most unhealthy and therefore unrealistic responses. It could be as simple as just not knowing what to expect and in turn, making up scenarios that seem too difficult or unattainable.

How did I finally make my move? Well, I first thought about it for about a week or two. Then one day, out of the blue, I held my breath and just dove right in!

 

My suggestions in order to work your way through these restrictive assumptions are not the same for the innately apprehensive than for the extrovert (yes, even some extroverts experience feelings of anxiety when trying new things).

 

For the innately apprehensive, I suggest taking approaching it in baby steps, incrementally. For the extrovert, your best strategy is to just take a deep breath and dive right in.

 

All in all, I cannot wait to finish my profile and begin to really dig into all that LinkedIn has to offer. I'm so glad that I was so wrong about this site!

 

 

Confessions of a Worrier.......

I must admit, from to time, I tend to worry a bit too much about things (and that's putting it lightly). It's in my genes. I come from a long line of worriers. You name it, and I have worried about it. Following are just a FEW (and I stress "Few") examples:

On a Personal Level...

My Kids/Husband.

Finances.

Relatives.

Job Security.

The Cars.

The House.

The Garden.

The Dog.

My Appearance.

The Weather.

Safety and Security.

Getting Lost.

On a Broader Scale...

World Hunger.

War.

Dictatorships.

Human/Civil Rights.

Natural Disasters/Devastation.

Orphaned Children.

The World Market.

I used to feel that being the consummate worrier that I am, was maybe a good thing. It meant that I took things seriously. That I was cautious and therefore well-informed before going forth. That maybe fear was an asset because it helped me to make better/safer decisions.

Unfortunately, I have also realized that by being so worrisome, it has caused me to miss/forfeit opportunities. To hold back on taking some chances. To stunt my growth in certain areas of my life, and worst of all, to develop an anxiety issue.

Being anxious because of worry is never a good thing, unless you are considering jumping off the roof of a building, etc.

In knowing this about myself, I have made efforts in order to control my worry/anxiety/fear. I have to be constantly mindful of that little voice that enables me to dwell, causes me to lose sleep, and stops me from the spontaneity that is sometimes required in life.

I share this with you, dear reader, because I know that I am not the only one who has a difficult time with these issues. To let you know that I can empathize with you. To hold your hand while walking the fine line between realistic caution and concern, and over exaggerated worry and anxiety.

Peace of Mind comes with being able to balance these emotions, moving forward with confidence and care.

Inspiration is a funny thing.................

Since my last, full blown post on the 27th of July, I have been a bit distracted and therefore have not made one since. In the mean time, I've been publishing short posts (Quotes & 'Thoughtful Thoughts'), for you, dear reader, in order not to be neglectful.

For me, when stressed, my body and mind are out of sync. Therefore, not only is my sleep disturbed, but my creativity and appetite are also suppressed. I do not like feeling like this. It's as though my inspiration is being thwarted in it's ability to flow through me.

The funny thing is though, as I look back at my short blog posts, I  realized that inspiration has been coming to me, just in small unrecognizable doses. Hence, the Quotes and 'Thoughtful Thoughts'.

Once I realized this, I have felt the creative juices flowing more freely and have started a couple of fun house projects that I have been putting off. And guess what? I am now writing this blog post!

I am quite sure that I am not the only one who feels the drought of lack of inspiration and creativity when under stress. My intention for this particular post is not only to empathize with you in this state but to also share with you the bit of awareness that I have just realized.

The fact that I felt uninspired was misleading, in a sense. For there where signs all around me, but my eyes/heart/soul could not see them from the angle in which I was viewing them. Once I stepped back a bit and  changed my perspective ever so slightly, there it was, ready and waiting.

I am not whole unless I am able to be creative. I have an incessant need to put forth inspiration. Whether it be for just myself or for those around me, or for you, dear reader. As a matter of fact, my entire blog is intended to inspire a peace of mind through harmony and balance, given to you through my own life experiences. And in return, I am enriched by this life's journey/circle in reaching out to you.

Distractions can be so very cumbersome when trying to be creative. You find that your mind/thoughts are not clear and your vision clouded by anxiety and fear. It is most difficult to focus and allow the good things/thoughts in. My only advice is, give it time and be patient with yourself. Step back and take a different look when ready. Do not feel guilty or neglectful about this. It's a process, just like any other journey.

You must take deep breaths in order to fully exhale. Be creative, be happy, be your true self in love and light and there you will find peace of mind.

Rain Rain Wash Away

Oh, how I just love a calm rain on a sultry day in the summertime. The smell, the sound, and the cleansing nature of it all. Today it is raining and I find myself relecfting on it's literal (as well and figurative meaning) for me.

We all know the importance rain holds, in it's crucial and essential relevance to our existence on this planet. Without water we cannot survive, nothing can. Metaphorically speaking, we also cannot survive without the hopes carried by the rain to wash away our sorrows, to cleanse our souls, and to wait for the sunlight to break through the storm and shine upon a brighter path to peace and harmony in our lives.

At this moment in my life I find that there are many unsettled things around me. We all have these times, dear reader, in which we are experiencing some form of limbo or another where major and minor decisions need to be made. Seeking answers, not knowing what the outcome may be, while moving forward with a bit of fear and anxiety.



If only the rain could wash away our fear on the unknown, enabling us to walk without worry. If only we could see a break in the dark cloud cover to help guide us to this place of peaceful destination and fulfillment. These are the hopes I hold today as I ponder my next move. I must zone in on my fears and overcome each one. At this point it's a difficult task for me, as I'm sure for others. Being a confident individual does not make you immune to moments where you feel that confidence lacking. It happens to the best of us depending on the situation at hand and the tools we feel we do or do not posses.


And so, today, as it rains, I look out the windows of my home and at the same time need to take a look also into the windows of my ego. Two different views which must come to the same conclusions. If you are also, dear reader, battling with yourself in one way or another, I wish the rain to wash away your worries, fear, anxiety, and apprehensions  May the sun break through and shine upon your being with much hope and grace while showing you the path to a peace of mind.