Mojo Monday!: Fortunate Wisdom

Those fortune cookie people are pretty wise.

I love finding simple statements that are so profound... and so damn true. 

We often assume people will just know where we're coming from, as if they have access to all the things going on in our heads. 

But just as we can't read their minds and can only judge their words and actions, they too can't read ours. 

Make your intentions clear. Act. Don't assume others know anything other than what they hear you say and see you do.

You can have the best intentions, but intent isn't seen or heard or felt. All anyone knows is what you actually show them. 

In the same respect, there's likely more than meets the eye going on behind someone else's action or inaction. Take a moment to consider that and inquire before you rush to judgment.

Hmm, if only the laws of clear communication were emphasized in our learning the way multiplication and the periodic table are, the world might be a more peaceful, loving place. 

Just saying. 

The Rat Race

I recently heard this very wise quote and had to share:

"The problem with the rat race is that even if you win, you're still a rat."

Think about that for a minute. Even if you're "winning" the rat race - making money, acquiring bigger and better toys - are you enjoying it? Are you really winning?

I'm not trying to downplay the importance of working hard, providing for ourselves and our families, accomplishing goals, the fun of enjoying the finer things, or the role money plays in our lives... especially in our society.

But I also know the satisfaction we get from "having" as opposed to "being" is superficial and short-lived. Don't get me wrong, I love a new pair of shoes as much as the next girl, but I try not to be fooled by the allure of false confidence that brings. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. But I always try to catch myself.

Success for me is realizing I've overcome a fear, learning to let go of a negative habit, accepting something about myself or my life I wouldn't necessarily choose, or being a source of strength or comfort for someone else.

I believe in creating balance, spending as much time as possible doing things you really love, and enjoying what you have now, instead of waiting for the arrival of the things you're chasing after or believing where you are now is not good enough.

Our culture reinforces the notion of HAVE MORE = BE MORE, but every time we reach a "have more" moment, we inevitably create a new one to chase. That wheel never stops spinning, so prepare to be running forever.

We're all running on a wheel. The question is, what are we running towards?

It's a choice.

My equation is DO MORE = GROW MORE = BE MORE

So think about what you're chasing in comparison to what you really want out of this life...not what you think you want, but what you REALLY, truly want in your heart and soul.

It might not align with what everyone else wants or expects of you, but at the end of the day, you're the only one living your life and the only one responsible for your own happiness.

Then, stop thinking and start doing.

xoxo

SH*T SINGLE GIRLS SAY

This video is entitled SH*T SINGLE GIRLS SAY...

I personally think it's hysterical and definitely worth a minute of your life for a laugh. 

youtube link

And yes, I've probably said at least one of these things... 

in the last week ;).

Enjoy!

Aint No Mountain High Enough

Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.

-Theodore Roosevelt

Been feeling really good about my work prospects in this new year. WORD-OLOGY is growing its wings, and I've been really inspired to get it to the next level.

I've learned to be comfortable with the idea of the unexpected, so I'm open to things heading in a new direction, but I really love the one they're heading in now. 

Freelancing opens up all kinds of opportunities to meet and work with different people. It keeps me mobile and my schedule flexible...HUGE plus on my list of "dream job" criteria.

It also keeps me working on different projects, which keeps me entertained and away from the dangerous wrath of boredom...another HUGE plus on the list.

On the flip side, freelancing is a constant balancing act that isn't always stable or consistent.

There's no one providing you with benefits and no guarantee that work will be there at any given time.

It's a constant search and it can be scary and stressful.

The good news is I have a lot of feelers out there, I feel confident about my ability, and the work itself is proving to be pretty lucrative.

It's been a long struggle but I can finally sense the sweet smell of success on the horizon. I feel like it's only a matter of time before my plate...and my bank account are full.

My goal is to establish a consistent roster of clients so I'll continue to have work lined up for long periods.

I've already got several projects under my belt, I'm doing additional work for my new job, and waiting to hear back on some new clients. 

The big difference I've noticed is how I'm presenting myself. I'm advocating a lot harder than I ever have before and the response is definitely noticeable.

It's been a long time coming, but I finally have my range of work in one place and it no longer feels like a bunch of scattered, wasted efforts.

I used to view my professional history as a series of sordid affairs. Now I see it a series of adventurous pit-stops along this endless road trip.

There is no map. You just have to explore until you find a place you want to settle into.

It actually feels purposeful, like I've finally reached the top of the mountain. There's certainly more hiking to do, but it already seems easier from this altitude.

I've ventured into new territory several times before but something feels very different this time.

I'm operating with more clarity and more faith than ever, and that now makes me feel like a person with endless possibilities. 

It's even more empowering and encouraging when you start seeing opportunities that align with your efforts. There's nothing more validating....it's like God is telling you, "Yes, you're headed in the right direction. Keep going!"

Eventually, it'll be time for new mountains. But for now, I'm enjoying the view from this one.

Whatever it is you're striving for or struggling with...addiction, being a great parent, going back to school, dealing with a loss, getting a promotion, losing weight, building a better marriage, starting your own business...I seriously encourage you to keep going and have faith that if you keep putting one foot in front of the other with your eye on the prize, eventually, you'll reach the mountaintop. Wink wink.

xoxo