The Sounding Board

Ever have that feeling that somehow what’s on your mind seems to project itself into the rest of the world when you’ve barely acknowledged what it is you’re thinking, much less discussed it with anyone? Well, as the saying goes, been there done that! Today it almost slapped me in the face. I truly had the feeling that my dogma (my belief system) was chasing after my karma (you get back what you give) to help shine a little light on my current direction.

Since the start of the new year, I have been constantly seeking out new challenges for my professional life. I wanted to try some new things, stretch my wings a bit, and take a big bite out of my dulldrums. I almost felt at times as though I had lost some of my interest in various aspects of my business. So, I set out to recharge my professional batteries, as it were. I went looking for things I had previously shyed away from, or thought I didn’t have time for in the past. I sought out live workshops, conferences, seminars, and other events I could do outside of the office. (One of the occupational hazards of being virtual is that you tend not to physically get out as much - work and home lines blur and before you know it, the only things you go out for are groceries and new DVDs. ) I also sought out new challenges for my professional skills. (Have you heard about my Business 101 Series, set to launch this Spring?)

Today I was reading a post on a forum I belong to where a member gave a link to an inspirational book she had been given as a gift. I followed the link to see what she was talking about & wouldn’t you know…one of the other featured products on the site was an inspirational post card series. The featured card was entitled “When was the last time you did something for the first time?” That sentiment struck me profoundly. It summed up exactly what I have been thinking and feeling since the start of the new year.

I wanted to regain that ‘first time’ thrill and excitement again - the exhilarating feeling I had in the very beginning of my business-building journey. I wanted to find things that got me excited again - things that were new to me, that I hadn’t done before. Seeing those words in print made me realize exactly what I had been feeling. It also made me realize how things like dogma and karma are very much alive and well in my life. I even made the comment that my dogma must be chasing my karma again in response to her post.

Are your karma and dogma in sync? Are you listening to them and what they bring forth in front of you to help guide you? Today I was reminded that not only do I need to give to my clients and colleagues, but I also need to remember to give to myself and my own business. Giving back doesn’t have to just apply to others. It’s perfectly acceptable, dare I say vital, that you also give back to yourself as well!

As many of us already know, there are tremendous fires raging through Southern California. Some of my dear colleagues from the VACOC have been affected. One such colleague, Cheryl Harless of CH Enterprises, has been evacuated from her home & office. Many others have been affected also, but Cheryl, even in the midst of what must be a frightening ordeal, still managed to post a message to the VACOC forum in the wee hours this morning. Her message passed on a bit of wisdom from another professional affected by the fires. It was one of strength, hope, and enduring passion for continued personal and professional growth. I was floored by the words she shared. It reminded me how life’s adversities give us opportunities to choose how we respond and the opportunity to rejoice in the growth those adversities can encourage if we choose to be strong and always seek out the good in everything. Thank you, Cheryl, for sharing that message this morning. I hope everyone will join me in praying for your continued safety and strength. I know you will find the good in whatever challenges you are faced with and continue to grow and attract those qualities in the clients you serve. My prayers are with you, girl!

And if you need to get away from it all for awhile…I have a couple of four-legged buddies who’d LOVE to have you take a ride with us! Smokey & the Bandit haven’t been on a good trial run in several weeks…I know they’d just love to have you come out & help ‘em with a good work out - or just hang out in the barn over a bucket full of alfalfa treats!

A great colleague of mine, Mia Chambers of Acumen Virtual Assistance  brought a great article to my attention a few days ago. After reading the article, I realized just how much value this tiny little question holds…’so?’ You can read the article itself here, but in brief the article discusses how we let our own inhibitions limit our ability to shine and live life to its fullest. The fear of embarrassment in social settings can often block our ability to socialize in a way that is truly meaningful.

How many of us have felt the same way about the products of our creativity?

How many of us have musings, writings, sketches, paintings, designs, and other work that have never been seen by another living soul? Why? Because they may not understand? They might not like them? They might think us untalented? Twisted? Bordering on looney? Okay…then I have a simple little question for you.

So?

So what if someone has that kind of reaction. Is it going to change who you are, the ideas you have, the talent you share with others, the love you feel for your spouse or partner, the amount of your mortgage payment, the car you drive, or the things you enjoy doing? No. It might make you feel a bit embarrassed, but to my knowledge, no one has ever died from embarrassment.

If the things you create from your heart and mind bring you joy, then why shouldn’t you find a way to share them with the people with whom they will resonate? Sure, you’ll have some folks who don’t (or won’t) appreciate your work…so? What about all the ones who do and will appreciate it? The world is a huge and wonderous place. There’s a niche for everyone and everything. If the fear of embarrassment is holding you back from living your life to its fullest, stop and ask yourself why? What do you really have to fear? When the answer comes to you, ask yourself the next question…

So?