Life went on, even though I wasn't writing about it! So what changed? Why am I back? I went to a seminar today re: Leadership and Women. I've been to these professional seminars before, but this one really resonated with me. Gail Cohen, our speaker, made us accountable for our participation. The first thing we had to do was draw a box in the middle of a blank paper and write down something we wanted. Some of the women wanted a new job, financial security, a bigger house... I wrote I wanted to write my blog and finally finish that book I have been working on ( mentally at least!) for 10 years, gasp! So, here I am, completing my task, 2 hours ahead of time! We had to write down a time and date we would start working on it. For 15 mins a day, we could do a little over a period of time and achieve our goal. I like that...something I can see short term results and eventually a long term goal.
Over the 7 hour session, we talked about personality types, conflict resolution, being assertive versus aggressive. Did you know that if you make the "stop sign" with your hand but leave your fingers open and at your waist it's assertive. But, extend your arm and close your fingers you are seen as aggressive.
I think all women worry about being seen as the "b-word" in the office, but we don't also want to be seen as the "d-word", the doormat. I am afraid I fall into the second category more often than not. We learned how to get our point across without putting someone else on the defensive and without apologizing for something that is not our fault.
Gail asked us if every job in world paid $1, would we still be doing what we do? I was happy to tell the class the name of this blog! "Make your hobby your job and Marry your best friend!" Are you happy, she asked? Do you think people with more money are smarter? Do you think they work harder? Of course we all shook our heads no.My question is, does $$= :)?
Well, if you watch the show, "The Lottery Changed My Life" I'd almost always say, no! Those people all seem to be miserable. My husband and I have a plan, you know for that day when we do win. Pay off our house, our parents' homes, put enough money away so our girls can go to medical school and open a doggy day care! We'd also give our nieces and nephews money for college and keep a little for play money. We still never decided if we would quit our jobs. Remember, his job is his hobby and I love what I do, so why should money change that?! Anyway, I digress...where were we??
Oh yeah, Girl Power! I didn't learn anything new today. As Gail says, we already have all the tools we need, we just need to use them correctly. "Right tool for the right job," another one of my husband's sayings. I did allow myself permission to "toot my own horn." I am working on my list of 10 things I am good at in my personal and professional life. Try it, it's harder than you think. Give me some time and my next entry will have those lists!
For now, I am going to schedule time in everyday for just 15 minutes. Whether I write, or read something inspirational, it's for me. In time, this will translate into a more confident, happier me and therefore the people around me will be happier, too.
My hobby is my job: I love helping people, animals, charities and I help students everyday. I married my best friend 9 years ago, and through thick and thin we are a force to be reckoned with!
Maybe I inspired you or someone else to go do that thing that they have been putting off or writing a list of your qualities instead of focusing on your downfalls. Whatever it is, I know I did my "homework" and hope when I "graduate" from this stage of my life, everyone, most importantly I, will be proud!
