Just My Thoughts: 2010 and beyond

Each year as the clock strikes midnight in our respective timezones, millions are prepared to abide by whatever resolution deemed necessary for their personal growth. Most often I hear resolutions based upon the idea that something should be given up. Something that is normally attached to a physical craving such as cigarettes, sweets, sex, etc. I tend to cringe at the perception many people have about resolutions. As many times, they are viewed as an oath made, that once broken seems to no longer be of importance for the balance of the year. But how does one dispose of something supposedly so vital to their growth? And then wait until the next year to start over again? Hmm.....I don't know, but the crazy thing is I've done it myself. So I stopped placing so much importance on resolutions years ago. Afterall a resolution is simply a decision to do something. The action that follows is what gives it value. Therefore the promises we make to ourselves should factor in the possibility of failure IF we presume to believe at 12:01 am on January 1, 20xx, we will never again - smoke, drink, or curse - eat pork, beef or candy - have or participate in lustful thoughts or actions, and so on.

When reassessed regularly, I've found my energies are better utilized setting goals and objectives throughout the year, just as I do for my students. So with that being said, I have considered all the things I hope for and placed them in 4 core concepts for personal growth that I attempt to work on regularly.


1. Improve My Overall Health and Wellness
Last year, I managed to continue working on improving my eating habits and although I stopped going to the gym mid-year, I did get in some alternative ways to work out. My asthma is under control and it doesn't look like I have to go through another surgery for the fibroids. YAY!! So this year, I'm going to get back in the habit of cooking. I'm sure a few of you have something to say....but as I've stated before I can cook-I choose not too. But this time I'm aiming for healthier meals, not the ones I cooked for the ex-hubby & the manchild that had us all gaining more than we should have :). Add to that- those belly dancing classes I've been talking about, and more rock climbing and other outdoor activities. Bottom line -I gotta be like Nike, and Just Do IT!

2. Improve My Finances and Savings
This one did not go so well for 2009. I stepped backwards due to my unscheduled vacation :), but not so far that I can't rebound. Although, I have a considerable chunk missing for the next few months due to the prorate on my contract, I will still be able to pay off my car in the next few months. Which I will continue to drive because I hear it rides much better without a car note! Taking that into consideration, I have implemented a budget that works well and will have me positioned to save even more when my new contract starts. So I will be able to add investing (outside of what my job offers) to this list. Plus I'm planning to move in the next couple of months and I am learning to be more disciplined then I have ever been before.

3. Improve my Spiritual Growth and Giving
If you know me, than you already know my church history (Ex-husband is a minister, Ex-mother-in-law was my Pastor (really still is), I served wherever I needed to, etc) I still find it difficult to find a church HOME, but I did manage to find a place that I love to attend on occasion that welcomes all beliefs and the core is still bible-based. And although, I still find it difficult to regain that level of committment to a building, I've grown in the areas of giving. Which was one of the things I desired to do more of. This year I want to continue in giving more of my time and resources, but I also plan to invest more time in learning about other religions....especially those that divide us. It may not be considered as spiritual growth to some, but I believe to learn and respect another's belief system and take the time to try and find aspects to appreciate aids in spiritual growth, especially in the area of loving each other.

4. Improve My Relationship With Self
I'm still struggling with the practice of placing everyone else's feelings, problems, and needs before my own. I think my largest hurdle was holding onto my son, which I've managed to cross over. I've said before that I have been a friend to some who are not even friends to themselves which tends to leave me in a funk and torn. But I've recently discovered that part of my problem is romanticizing a situation instead of taking it at face value and moving on. Therefore, I have to continue to work on doing those things that allow me to love and enjoy me. In dealing with others, I can and will accept them where they are but I must and will be true to what I want and need. By continuing to improve my relationship with self, I'm ready to move in the direction of fully working on a relationship with someone else.


Note: Goals should be attainable. They should be within reach, so as not to be a road to disappointment. I realize that some of my goals don't have a definitive action or measure. That's by design. My goals are ongoing, as learning is life long. Until the next time.....journey light.

Luv, peace, and an abundance of blessings,
E

Just My Thoughts: Positivism

Today's Horoscope:

 Cancer (6/22-7/22)

Your friends are adding a lot of positivism to your life right now -- and they represent the answer to the puzzle you've been trying to figure out. One of them also has an excellent idea that can help you initiate a new plan of action for that latest goal. They know how to turn on the ambitious part of your brain and get you to see the endless possibilities that are around you. Call them up today and make plans for lunch or brunch. Pick their brain and get the energy you need.

**Hmm, I'm thinking I need to call/text/email Smoochie, Tiff, or Tommy cuz according to this, one of y'all have a word for me :)***

Good Morning Beautiful,

Yes I'm talking to you! and you over there too! So go get that cup of coffee and pay attention! LOL. I normally don't follow horoscopes, but every now and then I will see something that peeks my interest and drives me. I know many balk at horoscopes as superstitious mumbo jumbo, but I think its all about perception.  I believe IF there is a positive message in it - it will activate you to gravitate toward the prediction presented making it your reality.  In other words, the horoscope's message does not become true until you act upon it. And I'm not mad at today's message :) 

One of my goals this year (and every year) is to improve my finances and savings. Last week I attended my Girls Just Wanna Have Funds meetup and the topic was "Multiple Streams of Income" or what most of us refer to as a side hustle.  One of my friends, is probably the master at this concept and she regularly blogs about finance and how to take it to the next level.  Well with this particular meeting, I went in already armed with several ideas but left with the attitude that this is the time to turn my aspirations into action!  Therefore, one of the first things I decided was I must rededicate myself to what I'm currently doing, which is teaching.  I love what I do and believe there is a way to work certain aspects of it into my future endeavors.

This may not be the case for a lot of people.  Most of us will become bogged down in the routine of our jobs and despise it later.  As for me, I have a love/hate relationship with my school and still see the possibilities and I am ready to move on.  However, I believe in order to do so I need to master my current career while preparing to transition into another.  I must go in with the attitude that "Today will be different", because that attitude will help me to endure the disappointments that come with doing my own thing.  Therefore, if I make what I'm doing right now easier, my mind will be free to focus my attention on planning my future.  Not just going to school to secure another degree to increase my pay, but tapping into resources that will increase my happiness and fulfill my ambitions.  Although, I wanted to change schools, I do not want to make moves simply because the "grass looks greener".  I want those changes to come because I see the rewards and have a true desire that I am willing to work at diligently.  I no longer want to just be good at what I do, but take hold of my own ideas, cultivate them and watch them grow.  Until the next time.......journey light.

Luv, peace, and fulfillment,

E

3AM Random Thoughts

Hmmm, I haven't had a 3am moment in a minute. Maybe it's because lately I've already been up wreaking havoc. Bwah ha ha ha! Anywho, we (educators) are well on the countdown to summer and I have been doing some serious thinking about what it is I want to do when I grow up :) I have been in education for 8 years now. Prior to that I was in management for about the same period of time. Therefore I have come to the conclusion that I need change every several years to keep me happy and fulfilled. So I'm doing my research and putting some wheels in motion. I'll let you know what I come up with.

In the meantime, to everyone reading this - If you could do anything in life(given you're not already doing it) and pay was not an issue, what would you do?

Until next time......journey light.

Luv, peace, and have a productive day!

E

Catching Up on Goals

First let me say, "Did y'all see my President doing the bump?" LOL. Uhm, so as you can see, it's pretty easy for me to fall off on this blogging thing. But before I say anything else I want to give shouts to Geri & Shana for keeping me company here on Blogger. This blog feeds to my facebook account, so the majority of the comments are there. But it feels good to come here and see I have visitors! You two are the bomb!! **Remember when people said that? :-))

Sooooo, I've been trying to figure out how structured this blog should really be, but because I have so many ideas, I can safely say it's not coming to me today. What I did want to share was the progress on my goals. Yay!!

As some of you may recall I had 4 categories : Improve My Overall Health and Wellness, Improve My Finance & Savings, Improve My Spiritual Growth and Giving, and Improve My Relationship With Self

One of the first things I did this month was go back and review everything I had already committed myself to in some shape, form, or fashion. By doing so, I found that many of the resources I needed were right at my fingertips. For instance, http://www.meetup.com/ is an excellent resource for finding groups that are aligned to your personal goals and interests. Although, I already belonged to a few groups, I joined a few more.

On Saturday, I attended my first Girls Just Wanna Have Funds meetup in order to work on my financial stability. This meeting focused on budgeting and tracking expenses. Although, I have my own way of doing so (which fell apart somewhere), it was encouraging to listen to others who have had similar experiences and moved beyond them. The next meeting's topic is "Multiple Streams of Income", in other words "side hustle". But it's on the same day as B & Rod's Wedding. I'm trying to see how I can work this. I might have to miis the first part of the ceremony. lol, j/k.

I also had the opportunity to attend two meetups organized by my friends, Dionne ( Ahh Atlanta Massage & Spa Meetup) and Mechelle (Trinity Fusion Fitness). On Sunday, I experienced my first outing with Ahh Atlanta and what an experience it was!! We went to JeJu Sauna in Duluth. This was a lesson in Korean culture, relaxation and healing all bundled into one. Now, I will admit it was weird at first, but once I got over having to be in the buff, I was good. LOL. Anyway, if you live in Atlanta, get past the buttnakedness and go check them out! I will definitely be going back. Trinity's meetup was earlier in the month and Mechelle hosted a fitness party featuring ChaLEAN Xtreme. I must admit, going in I hated the kickboxing type workouts and raisins. Mechelle won me over on both.

Last but not least are my two poetry meetups, Quality Poets Society and Soul Cafe. I have been a member of QPS for a while but am working toward staying focused in my poetry and attending the meetings on a consistent basis. Although I attended the last workshop on publishing, I can't say that is my motivation at the moment. I enjoy the freedom of words and interacting with other writers. I find it enlightening to hear the various perceptions realized by one topic. Soul Cafe is new to me, but Monday the meetup hosted an open mic and food drive. After chatting and exchanging ideas, I just may be doing more than I had even projected in the next few months on the poetry scene. But I'm going to hush for now. I'll report back on that at a later date. :) Now I think in meetups alone, I have touched on all my goals. So I'll have to come back tomorrow to tell you more. Until the next time....journey light.

Luv, peace, and an abundance of blessings,

E

Just My Thoughts:Perfecting My Shine for '09

Each year as the clock strikes midnight in our respective timezones, millions are prepared to abide by whatever resolution deemed necessary for their personal growth. Most often I hear resolutions based upon the idea that something should be given up. Something that is normally attached to a physical craving such as cigarettes, sweets, sex, etc. I tend to cringe at the perception many people have about resolutions. As many times, they are viewed as an oath made, that once broken seems to no longer be of importance for the balance of the year. But how does one dispose of something supposedly so vital to their growth? And then wait until the next year to start over again? Hmm.....I don't know, but the crazy thing is I've done it myself. So I stopped placing so much importance on resolutions years ago. Afterall a resolution is simply a decision to do something. The action that follows is what gives it value. Therefore the promises we make to ourselves should factor in the possibility of failure IF we presume to believe at 12:01 am on January 1, 20xx, we will never again - smoke, drink, or curse - eat pork, beef or candy - have or participate in lustful thoughts or actions, and so on.

When reassessed regularly, I've found my energies are better utilized setting goals and objectives throughout the year, just as I do for my students. Taking a page from my friend's blog, Mia's Misadventures Continues..... I decided to truly think about the goals I want to meet by year's end and post them here. So with that being said, I have considered all the things I hope for and placed them in 4 core concepts for personal growth.

1. Improve My Overall Health and Wellness
Last year, I had surgery to remove an ovarian cyst that was 11.0 x 10.3 x 10.5 cm when discovered in May but a little larger by the time I had the procedure. Along with it, was another tumor in the tube leading to the opposite ovary. I opted to have my doctor only remove what was necessary, leaving me with the option to have another child(with another procedure), but moreso to avoid going into menopause. Therefore, I still have the fibroids that cause me some unexplicable pain at times. I'm also asthmatic, which my body reminded me of not too long ago. However both can be managed if I do my part.

2. Improve My Finances and Savings
Due to the fact that my son graduated from highschool (YAY) last year, I am catapulted into the singles tax bracket (BOO) this year. So I have been making adjustments in preparation for that, along with everything going on with our economy. Plus, I'm still recovering from various financial woes that seem to hit at once (foreclosure, taxes, and ancient student loans). Whew, thank goodness I had a good healthcare plan. As you can see, I have a long journey ahead of me.

3. Improve my Spiritual Growth and Giving
Prior to being married and while married, I was very committed to my church. Since my mother-in-law was my Pastor (really still is), my divorce not only separated me from my husband, but also my church and church family. Although I have went to other churches, I've found it difficult to regain that level of committment and quite honestly, I can't say that I'm looking to do so. I am a believer of God, but I also know that there are a number of avenues to practice my beliefs without having to attend church services weekly. I'm not ruling church out, just thinking I can utilize some of my time in other ways.

4. Improve My Relationship With Self
For the longest time, I have been in the practice of placing everyone else's feelings, problems, and needs before my own. I have been a friend to some who are not even friends to themselves. I have overextended myself to the point of becoming depressed and eventually shutting myself off to everyone around me. By design, I understand that women are nurturers. But now, I really don't have anyone to be responsible for but myself and I intend to truly love and enjoy me.

When setting goals, I must restate what Tiff mentioned in her blog. Goals should be attainable. They should be within reach, so as not to be a road to disappointment. I realize that none of my goals have a definitive action or measure. That's by design. My goals are ongoing and reached through objectives. I will be sharing my objectives, the means by which I plan to achieve each goal, as the year progresses. At the end, I will be able to list what I achieved vs. what I didn't. Until the next time.....journey light.

Luv, peace, and an abundance of blessings,

E

Hmm, What Should I Throw Away?

Hey Beautiful People! Wow, I am on my 3rd posting in 24 hours! Imma have to slow it down after this one, lol. Anywho, I was reading my friend Tiff's posting on facebook today and have been plagued with the thought "out with the old to make way for the new". Why do I say plagued like it's a bad thing. Because although I am all for welcoming change, I have a really difficult time trying to figure out what to keep and what to throw out. I tend to be quite sentimental although many of my friends don't see it :). Plus I'm organized to a point that I have various types and sizes of containers to ziploc, file, and seal things in to store for later. So how do I determine what to get rid of?

For instance, although the exhubby and I have been apart 3 years now and there is no going back, I still have our marriage certificate, some letters, and a small sampling of the various cards he gave me. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has these things. Now the question is what do you do with them? Stash or trash? I also have some mementos, pics, and ish from those other two I did time with. Hmm, sounds a lil' prisonish. Well, whatever. It is what it is and y'all know what I mean. Now on to the box full of cassettes with everything from Roxanne, Roxanne to Planet Rock to Juicy Fruit (ol skool not the lean wit it rock wit it era) but I have nary a device to enjoy them. And what about all those recipes I cut out of the newspaper or picked up from Publix to fill that $5.99 organizer I purchased last year. My family and friends know once the boy became of age, and I was reintroduced to the single life, I put away my apron and on VERY rare occasions retrieve it to whip up one of their favorites. Then there's the more popular questions of how long should I hold on to my old tax returns and proof that I did in fact pay that Sprint bill from 2002. How about the Halloween costume I wore in '07? The mask from '08. Hmm. The home movies experimental filming. Lol.

So what do you suggest? Or is there something you have that should be or should have been tossed long ago? While you're thinking, I'm off to see the the wizard for a box of large trash bags.
Until the next time......journey light.

Luv, peace, blessings,

E