Archive for ‘Inspirational Stories’

June 23rd, 2009

Creating a Soundtrack for Your Life

Did you ever watch Ally McBeal?  Well I was a big fan for its humorous and quirky characters and I loved watching Ally’s drama play out in creative, fantasies that reminded me of being a kid.  

What has stayed with me long after the series ended in 2002 is how her therapist played by Tracey Ullman, asked her to choose a theme song representing her life.  I’ll never forget seeing Ally dance in the street to, “I Know Something About Love.”  It’s a reminder to me about the importance music plays in our life.

When life gets you down, when your muse is on hiatus, or when you just need a boost, do you have a soundtrack ready to lift you up?  

For me, when I’m feeling overwhelmed, when I can’t see past this week, Michelle Branch’s, “If I Just Breathe” always fills me.  It particularly makes me think of one of my favorite Sex in the City episodes. If you’re a fan like me, you know Season 6, Episode 82 “The Catch” where Carrie swings on the trapeze and falls right into the safety net.  

Something about the lyrics and seeing her smile, helps to remind me that sometimes even when there seems to be nothing there to save us in life, if we just take that giant leap, our own safety net will be ready and waiting to catch us if and when we fall.  

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Yb_RXJG0FU&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&border=1]
What about you?  Got a tune you listen to? Share them here.

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June 22nd, 2009

Hearing Voices: How to Tell Which One You Should Be Listening to

RomeSometimes I hear voices in my head and no I’m not psychotic.  Listen up cause you might be hearing them too.  They’re the voices that tell you what to do.  But I’m not talking devil on one shoulder and angel on the other (although they might look like that to you).

I’m actually talking about the voices that sound like this, “What makes you think you’re talented enough?” versus “You need to go for it now!”  They both may sound like your voice but they definitely have different personalities.  Let me explain.

When you have a strong inclination to do something whether it’s to quit a job or leave a relationship, the voice is bold, confident and all-knowing.  It’s like the side of you that’s not afraid of anything, that truly believes in yourself, that is unwavering.  

However, there’s another side that often comes out when we try to follow our dreams.  It’s the voice that’s a bit shaky, anxious and desperate that says, “Don’t do it” out of fear.  Fear of the unknown.  Fear that we’re not good enough.  Fear that we don’t have what it takes, so why even try.  It’s this guy, small, insecure and powerless that tends to end up with all the power because we often let it.  We give in to our fear and ignore our instincts and eventually he runs our lives.

There’s another alternative, however.  I’ve learned that whatever voice you begin listening to, the stronger that voice becomes.  If you continue to question yourself, allow doubt and fear to control your decision, the easier it will be for fear to creep into your life.  On the other hand, when you face that fear, go with your instincts and listen to that voice, the easier it will be to follow your dreams and your heart.

So the next time you’re faced with a difficult decision or a fork in a road, remember to tune into who’s talking.  Then, make a conscious decision to listen to the voice that’ll lead you to your dreams.

CategoryFacing Fears, Inspirational Stories, Stories of Gratitude | Comment2 Comments »

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June 20th, 2009

The Yes Man

I watched Jim Carrey’s, “Yes Man” on DVD the other night and my husband and I agreed it was pretty good.  Not for Carrey’s predictably unpredictable antics or the story’s plot but because it reminded us that anything is possible when you say “yes” to possibility and opportunity.  It kind of got me thinking about my own life and the repercussions of saying “yes” to the unknown.

Take for example my dream career.  I’ve always wanted to be a writer and a copywriter since I first saw “Bewitched” on Nick at Nite.  Darren’s job seemed intriguing and I remember creating my own portfolio of commercials and jingles as a kid.  Then life happened and I tucked away that dream.

But recently, I’ve been on the road to follow that path again and slowly but surely have made my way to that pot of gold.  It started when I applied for random non-paying writing internships hoping that the experience would pay for itself.  I ended up scoring a summer internship for an eco-friendly website.  I was stoked!  I got the position everyone else was jonesing for.  

I took the job seriously writing about how to be eco-friendly at work and throwing clothes-swapping parties.  But then, I hit another brick wall.  I submitted all this great stuff and then I never heard from the editor again.

That was a few years ago.  Since then, I actually got a job as a copywriter but later realized it wasn’t the dream career I thought it was.  I began writing in this blog hoping I’d eventually figure it out.  

This year, I became more aggressive in my job search and started marketing myself online and researching possible publications even ones that weren’t obviously hiring.  I also began reading relevant books, and online resources to give me info on how to become a freelance writer.

One book, “Finding Your North Star” by Martha Beck really started the ball rolling.  Beck says that when you begin listening to yourself and what moves you rather than do what you think you’re supposed to do, you will find your true calling.  That’s how I ended up here writing an article for an eco-friendly magazine that I applied to.  

Here’s what happened.  On Friday, I decided what I really wanted to do was take another day to rest from the flu.  Boy am I glad I did because that same day I received an email at 5:40 am asking me to write an article for that same eco-friendly magazine and finish it in 2 days!

It was an exciting venture one that I believe is propelling me on to more opportunities.  Although this recent one has left me breathless with excitement and fear, I know that I still have a long road ahead of me.  Because once we get our dreams, we have to commit to all the things it comes with, the fears, challenges and possibilities.  It is worth it, however.  And hard to believe it all started because I had the courage to say, “Yes I believe!”

Dreams

Find yourself in a similar situation? Share your thoughts and experience by leaving a comment. And don’t forget to subscribe here if you like what you see.

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June 18th, 2009

Kathy Griffin: My New Role Model?

Kathy GriffinI have a secret.  I kind of like Kathy Griffin.  Okay she may be as bold as her red hair, and vulgar as a man, but I think she is hilarious and as funny as the people she surrounds herself with.  

Take for example, that time she was “dating” Woz aka Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak.  It made me interested in Apple and I work for them!  Or how about her hilarious parents and crew.  Her sweet mom always with a drink in her hand and her “how’d they get that job?” staff.  You can’t write that stuff or can you?  I can’t ever tell how much is staged and how much reality is in reality.  

But the bottomline for me is that no matter how zany and off-kilter she can be, my main motivators to watch Griffin on Bravo’s “My Life on the D-List,” are her stubborn, unyielding, never get her down attitude.  She may say crazy things and act like nothing bothers her, but when it comes to her passion (making the A-list) she wears her heart on her sleeve and I admire her for that.

It doesn’t matter if people don’t know who she is or her name, she actually makes a joke of it and then keeps going.  And no matter her goal, whether getting an Emmy (which she’s gotten 2 so far) or a Grammy nomination (she’s gotten one), she’s clear and persistent.  I’d say, “She’s got balls” in a big way.  

Her show may be called, “My Life on the D-List” but I think Griffin’s got a secret too, with the popularity of the show her desperate attempts to clench attention and success has gotten her quite a few awards and nominations as well as rubbing elbows with celebs.  One things for sure, you know who’s got the last laugh!

Photo courtesy of KathyGriffin.net.

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June 16th, 2009

Oh No! I'm George!

While in a feverish state, I heard familiar voices coming from the television.  No I wasn’t hallucinating.  It was episode 7 of Seinfeld, the one where George quits his job in reaction to his boss’s memo asking him not to use his private bathroom.  George explains to Jerry, “I snapped! It was the last straw.”

Although initially he felt pretty confident about his decision to quit, he later doubts what he did when Jerry asks,”So, what are you gonna do now?”  As his anger dissipates, his fear begins to rise.  Now what’s he going to do with his life?  

Of course in true George Costanza fashion, he starts backpedaling and ends up trying to go back the job he hated.  Humorous for him, not so funny for us.  

Even though few would admit, many of us suffer from the same fate.  Not out of need for money but fear that we won’t find what we’re looking for.  Whether it’s a job or a relationship, sometimes we’d rather be in it just for the sake of having something or someone cause the unknown seems a whole lot scarier.

I say if we could only wait a little longer, hold on, have faith, we might end up finding exactly what we’re looking for.  But the longer we remain grasping whatever is “enough for now,” the harder it’ll be for that great ____ (add house, husband, job, etc. here) to find room in our lives.

 The only way to get to that gold at the end of the rainbow?  Embrace your inner strength.  Face that fear and learn to be without, at least for a little while.  It’s a surefire way you won’t end up being another George Costanza!

For you Seinfeld fans, here’s extras on the episode aptly titled, “The Revenge.”
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T02r7mlhEmA&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&border=1]

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June 9th, 2009

Now What?!

You’ve done it!  You’ve made that big decision, dealt with your feelings of impending fear and doom, and you’ve acted on it.  So now what?!  

In Martha Beck’s book Finding Your Own North Star, that period between your old and new self is where “square one” takes place.  So if you’re experiencing even more fear now than before and questioning if you made the right decision, know that you’re on the right path.  Square one is all about figuring out who you are now.  

Now that for example, you’re _____ (Pregnant, married, divorced or unemployed?  Fill in the blank with your change in identity here.), you might feel like you’re going through an identity crisis.  This decision may have caused a change in who you thought you were or who you thought you would become.  

The best way to deal?  

  1. Look forward not behind.  Remind yourself of why you made the decision in the first place and focus on that.
  2. Get protected.  Protect yourself by surrounding yourself with others who have gone through similar circumstances or read about them in books or online.  Find great friends and loved ones who you can rely on to vent during these uncertain times.
  3. Be kind to yourself.  Know that what you’re feeling is normal and realize that you’ll eventually get through it.  Most importantly, it’ll be a whole lot easier, the faster you’re able to accept yourself and your situation.

Carmel

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June 8th, 2009

Reach for Success

I subscribe to newsletters from “Green Career Central,” written by its founder Carol McClelland, PhD.  It’s a great resource for anyone looking into a new career and specifically for those on a hunt for an eco-friendly one.  In her recent newsletter she included a link to a video about the “8 Secrets of Success” by Richard St. John.  The video was so compelling that I decided to include it here.  If you’ve got 3 minutes, take a look see.  You may find answers to the questions you’re looking for.  I know I did!

[ted id=”70″]

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June 5th, 2009

Giving It All Up Ain't So Bad

You know the saying, “One door opens as another one closes,” or “let go and let God?” In the moment of surrender, our once empty hands often become filled with a life better than we had planned. Yet, in moments of despair all we want to do is hold on tight, grasping anything and everything around us.

When there is nothing visible in front of us, we can either blindly and courageously take the next step or we can turn around and return to the path we’ve already crossed. Each step either gets us that much closer to our goals or that much further away.

Recently, I spoke to a friend who decided to finally let go of a job that was holding her back. Although she was applying to other positions left and right, it was only after she made up her mind to resign from the former position, that a better offer came along.

I’ve heard this story multiple times before. It’s the story of how when Oprah finally surrendered and let go of her expectations to be in The Color Purple, that she scored the role.  Or how a guest on her show said he “gave up” on his dream that Oprah would see his performance in Chicago and then Gayle King showed up instead.

Sometimes the right decision is the one that is the scariest, that pulls us uncomfortably out of our comfort zones and face our own insecurities and self-doubt. Only when we let go, surrender and have faith will that unseen force materialize supporting our next step towards our dreams.

Sunset

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June 4th, 2009

A Poem to Inspire

I’m leaving you with a short poem I wrote in October of 2007.  It’s hard to believe that I’m still on the same path that I was two years ago.  Hopefully, I am just a little bit closer to my dreams.  Here’s wishing you a Happy Friday filled with fun, hope and inspiration!

Autumn leaves

In a concrete asphalt landscape

Dance gracefully

By nature’s breath

Scattering their orange tentacles

Like crabs

On a massive ocean floor

Sea creatures

Making paths

Writing their destinies

In slowly sinking sand.

 Santorini

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May 23rd, 2009

Synchronicity

Synchronicity is kind of like a God wink. It’s what happens when meaningful but unrelated events randomly come together (Wikipedia).  I’m all too familiar with the term since it’s occurred quite often in my life.  Several years ago, for example, while I was going through a particularly difficult time, the rain brought me to an old musty bookstore.  Here’s a passage from a 2004 blog entry I wrote about the event:

1) I am grateful for old bookstores on a rainy day. Walked into one and was looking for some message or sign. I went directly to the religion section and found nothing. Walk toward psychology/self-help, mystery, no clues. Headed out towards the exit and stopped to see “Daily spiritual thoughts.” The cover was unbound and torn. The middle pages looked like they were burnt. I turned to February 21. It said patience. Patience and appreciation that like nature everything comes in due time. Flowers start from the seed in the soil, it takes several days and months before they unfold and bloom into a flower. How can we expect life to hurry because we want to find out the answers? In times of distress, be patient and trust like the seed to the flower, with love and patience, our answers will unfold and develop in time.

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