Things I've Learned Over The Last Year- - The Short List

 2009-2010 has been challenging to say the least!  So, I'm taking this opportunity to really think about the positive things I'll be able to take with me.  Here goes....

1. I'm not good at working from home! Doesn't sound positive I know, but I'm now fully aware that I work best as part of a team.  Great to know!
2. Life can change in the blink of an eye, and it's important to make the most of each and every day!
3. Friends will get you through the tough times, and tough times will show you who your real friends are. I'm fortunate to have many of these people in my life!
4. You can't control everything in life, so don't stress the things you have no control over.  Learn to roll with these situations and try to spin them into something positive.
5. Cliche as it sounds, it's about who you know.  It's important to have a wide/deep network of individuals.  I've probably spent most of time developing my network, and it's gotten me further than anything else I've tried.  I think this should be a life long development process.  You can't ever settle with what you've got, because there are endless possibilities of relationships to develop.
6. I've learned that building relationships is something I'm good at.  **Not bragging**  I really like people and getting to know what makes them tick.
7. If your comfortable in life, there's always something you could be working on to make it better and more secure.  Disclaimer: I'm fully aware that life & security are like oil & water.
8. I've learned what I'm made of, and what's really important to me.  
9. Sometimes "tough times" are a blessing in disguise.  Some kind of lesson always comes from the worst memories we carry around.  
10. Learn to be flexible, and adapt to anything that comes your way.  Flexibility, in my mind, is the key to a life well lived!!
11. I've learned I really like sports talk radio--mainly during football season though.
12. I've learned that watching my daughter grow-up is truly a gift!!  We've really built a strong bond with all my time at home. It's awesome to see her personality develop, and scary too, because I know who her parents are.
13. I really miss playing the drums, and being creative in general.
14. It's not a good idea to always vent to your significant other!!  Yes, they are your life partner, but excessive negativity wears on anyone.  Just love them with all your heart no matter what's going on around you!!!

What are some life lessons you've learned through tough times?

How did this happen, and where am I going from here?

**Yes, I'm aware that this post is all over the place, but that's how my brain works most of the time.**

Over the course of this past year my family has seen more than our fair share of tough times.  I found myself unemployed last May out of the blue, and it's been a nasty cycle since then.  I tried all kinds of things to climb out of this hole, but it seems to constantly get deeper.  Double Dang!

I ask myself often, will we ever get out of the red?  I wish I knew the answer!  The worst part of the whole mess is the stress of it all.  Stress is no joke, and it really starts to take it's toll after a while.  I've learned many things during this trial, but the one thing I'd love to share is this:  YOU CAN'T GIVE UP!!!!  I have to remind myself of this daily.

I've wanted to a thousand times, trust me.  However, it's not just about me.  My family depends on me, and I feel I've let them down.  What a terrible thing to carry with you!  I love them more than you could possibly imagine, and I only want the best for them! How can I help us live to our fullest potential in this life of ours?

I'm now asking myself,  what is my real purpose on this earth.  I know we'd all like that answer, right?  Well, I'm listening Lord!  Please show me my path, because I can't walk this road alone any longer!!!!  I ask that we all try to answer the question, what is our purpose as individuals.  I fully believe we were all placed here for some reason.  I've been on this quest for far too long, but I know I can't quit.  That's just not acceptable!!  In fact it's time for turbo-purpose-search-mode!

I know at the end of the day I long to feel as if I've made a difference in someone's life.  I'm not a selfish person, although others might disagree, but I know I want my career and life to be focused on helping others.  Did I just answer part of my own question?  I'm not sure, but from this day forward my quest will be helping others, starting with my own family.  Lord bless us all as we search for our purposes!!

Now I'm off to try and make something positive happen today.  Just a little hint of good news would be awesome........Go-Go-Gadget Life Purpose Detecter.

Daddy - It's Quite a Title

Daddy:

In the past I never never cared for the "Father Tag", Daddy.  It just seemed so" little kidish"  it made my skin crawl, and same for Mommy.  Now that our little-one is capable of speaking (sort of), I'll answer to anything she wants to call me.  It's simply amazing that our little human is starting to communicate.  Wowzers!

Not long ago I was stoked she could walk.  Now she's saying what's on her mind....whaaattt...unbelivable!!  I now gladly accept the title of, Daddy!  There, I said it, because I just realized this today.

Going Big in 2010!

I've decided my personal brand message is this - Going Big in 2010.  I know it'll need to be addressed again come end of year, but for the remainder, it will be my purpose.

Going Big in 2010 sum's up exactly what I'm trying, to rebound from last year's terrible misfortunes!  It's not breezy, but very important.  In 2010 I want to: Launch a new career, dig out of a hole, better support my family, plan for the future, build relationships, polish my skills, learn-learn-learn and apply that knowledge, volunteer, help others more, and dive head first into really figuring out who I am & what I want.  It's an overwhelming list!

Where to start?  Well, how about launching a new career that I truly love?  Sound good?  I hope so, because a lot of the other items on my list are directly related to this entry.  What I really need is a mystical agency owner to appear and offer paid mentorship.  Since this likely isn't happening, I'm going to network my brains out until I can check off this portion.  (When this happens, there will be much rejoicing and good times had by all in attendance!) I've always wanted to work as part of a creative team...always.  The idea of it makes me antsy, and ready to start right now.  However, I realize that you have to start somewhere and often times the bottom.  FINE, bring it!  I don't plan on being down there for long anyhow. If you're reading and you need me, let's talk...PLEASE!

Anyone else who feel they need to go bigger in 2010?  Well, you probably do.  Jump on, this bandwagon is headed for liberation.? (I have no idea what that means either, because I can imagine your asking the same question.)

**Insert random change in direction**

Oh yeah, I've been working more on my camera phone skills too.  POOF - some goodies.

Chance to win a sweet lamp on my friend Christine's blog: Great Oak Circle

It's here!!! Your big chance to win this hot little number.  Thanks again to CSN Stores who let me give this great prize away to one of my lucky readers!

So..here's the deal...you must live in the US or Canada, and you can only enter between NOW and THURSDAY at MIDNIGHT!


http://greatoakcircle.blogspot.com/2010/02/lamp-giveaway.html