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| Southern Soul |
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Make Your Dreams Work
Teaching Career and Life Development to college juniors and seniors is one of my favorite parts of my job. Growing up I read a story that an actor prayed every night as a child for God to make him an actor. When he grew up, he was an actor. I don't remember who the actor was but for every night as a child (and sometimes now), I prayed that God would make me an actor, a dancer, and a motivational speaker. Yes, I asked for three things. An overachiever - I know. To me, teaching combines two of those requests. I am a dramatic person (never would have guessed that would you?) so I have a dramatic teaching style. I tell my students that I love the stage and so they are my confined audience two days a week. They laugh. They are polite. At the very least, I am entertaining myself!
And God made me a motivational speaker. To this point in my career, all of my professional positions have been composed of a majority of speaking on personal and professional development. While I don't command the large paychecks that some speakers get (yet), I do get paid every day to read self help books and apply those principles and theories to develop people into their potential. I tell my students that I love my job because I have always been that cheesy person who loves the self help section of a book store. I admit it without shame! And my job allows me to get to do that every day.
With all that said, it makes sense that Thursday's class will be about goal setting. Seems elementary for a college age group but after reflection on the topic a few years ago, I realized that all of us know what goal setting is but seldom do we get to take the time out of our busy lives to reflect on the goals. I thought that my college students would scoff at the idea of goal setting but when I frame it with, "I am giving you the time during this class to understand why you are working so hard in college," they relax into the class. Many of them have told me they applied the principles. While I was reviewing it today, I realized that it had been awhile since I had set and reviewed my own goals. It gets so easy to just fall into the "dailyness" of life without reflecting on why we are doing the things we are doing. So I prepared for the class and reflected on my personal goals.
While I can't invite you to class (every seat is taken at the moment), I encourage you to take an hour or so this week and reflect on why you are working so hard. What are you going for? I plan on doing the same thing, so I am not a "do as I say, not as I do" kind of teacher and I will be using the following strategies:
The Power of Five
The Power of Five is probably one of the most simplistic yet powerful strategies, that when applied daily will move you consistently toward your goals. I first learned about The Power of Five in Jack Canfield's Success Principles book (highly recommend). When Canfield was working on the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, he applied the principle to alleviate feelings of being overwhelmed while steadily moving him and his co-author toward their goals. The Power of Five is simply write down five things each day that you will do that will advance you to the goal. Basically, it is breaking it down into tiny steps. How large the five steps are each day are dictated by how much time you have. For example, one of my goals is to finish a book I am working on. Some days I have time to write five pages, other days I have time to write five paragraphs. Either way I am making consistent progress forward.
Look Ahead and Plan Backward
I have taught this idea so much that I fail to remember where I first heard it so I apologize for not crediting the original source. Often when working with people working on professional goals, they disclose to me they are not quite sure what steps to even take. For some reason, it is quite common for the steps directly in front of us to be dark but the big goal to be clearly visible. Therefore start with the big goal, even if it is five years ahead and then plan backwards until you get back where you are today. Some of the details may be a little fuzzy but you have a working outline now. With this outline, you can figure out your power of five.
And to use a little inspiration from a picture I pinned on Pinterest: Dreams Don't Work Unless You Do!
Happy Tuesday y'all!
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
The Fifteen Minute Blog
I am definitely trying to get better at this blogging thing. I read the other day where someone classified herself as an "Avid Blogger" and it made me wonder what constituted an avid blogger. I try to be a consistent blogger but I have yet to make the avid blogger status in my mind. Thinking over this blogger identity concept, I decided I needed to up my blogging more. So what did I do to get blog ideas? I googled. Google is so my friend. And I came across a blogging challenge - the fifteen minute blog challenge. You are reading mine. I apologize right now if the rest of this entry's content is not entertaining or filled with mistakes, but I thought this would be a fun challenge to take on.
The challenge is simply to write whatever for 15 minutes. I often do free writing when I journal or come up with ideas for other writing projects but I have never published my free writing. I love to write whatever comes to mind. The author of the challenge said it would loosen up your writing and allow for more creativity to come forward. I have to admit one reason my blog entries have been slower than usual is that I was taking my writing too seriously. I was over-editing and being too critical of everything I put out there. Free writing definitely rids you of those thoughts because you write whatever you think.
In the future, I promise myself to keep my blog up more. I have several blogs I follow but one really captivated me and her style of exposing her thoughts and life to really inspire others. If you have not read yet http://www.brittneyjoywilliams.com/, I advise you do. I was first drawn to her blog because it was listed on another blogger's site as "Running in High Heels." I thought - I do that! So I checked out her blog and loved her personal, intimate writing style. I aspire to have that type of connection with my readers. By the way, who are you? I would love to know who is actually reading this blog. I know a few are everyday - or my mom is checking it non stop at least! Someone is keeping my stats counter going though and so whoever it is - thank you!
Anyway, I guess you are wondering - do I really run in high heels? To be completely honest, I don't like to run period. In tennis shoes, flip flops, barefeet, or high heels - running is just dreadful to me. I admire runners but have no desire to do so myself unless I am running from a bee - then I could compete with the best of the Kenyan runners! But being a 5'2" Southern Belle, there is rarely a day when heels are not on my feet. So yes, if a bee is chasing me and the odds are I am wearing heels then that would mean I am running in high heels. However I did, to my cousin's amusement, wear three inch heels to a family outing to a park one year. While the guys played baseball, the girls hit the track. And I walked for an hour in heels without complaining on a gravel track. But y'all, that is just good Southern Belle training that prepares you for those circumstances! My high heel track exercise is still a funny story in my family today.
And my fifteen minutes are up - hope you enjoyed my stream of consciousness writing! Happy Friday!
The challenge is simply to write whatever for 15 minutes. I often do free writing when I journal or come up with ideas for other writing projects but I have never published my free writing. I love to write whatever comes to mind. The author of the challenge said it would loosen up your writing and allow for more creativity to come forward. I have to admit one reason my blog entries have been slower than usual is that I was taking my writing too seriously. I was over-editing and being too critical of everything I put out there. Free writing definitely rids you of those thoughts because you write whatever you think.
In the future, I promise myself to keep my blog up more. I have several blogs I follow but one really captivated me and her style of exposing her thoughts and life to really inspire others. If you have not read yet http://www.brittneyjoywilliams.com/, I advise you do. I was first drawn to her blog because it was listed on another blogger's site as "Running in High Heels." I thought - I do that! So I checked out her blog and loved her personal, intimate writing style. I aspire to have that type of connection with my readers. By the way, who are you? I would love to know who is actually reading this blog. I know a few are everyday - or my mom is checking it non stop at least! Someone is keeping my stats counter going though and so whoever it is - thank you!
Anyway, I guess you are wondering - do I really run in high heels? To be completely honest, I don't like to run period. In tennis shoes, flip flops, barefeet, or high heels - running is just dreadful to me. I admire runners but have no desire to do so myself unless I am running from a bee - then I could compete with the best of the Kenyan runners! But being a 5'2" Southern Belle, there is rarely a day when heels are not on my feet. So yes, if a bee is chasing me and the odds are I am wearing heels then that would mean I am running in high heels. However I did, to my cousin's amusement, wear three inch heels to a family outing to a park one year. While the guys played baseball, the girls hit the track. And I walked for an hour in heels without complaining on a gravel track. But y'all, that is just good Southern Belle training that prepares you for those circumstances! My high heel track exercise is still a funny story in my family today.
And my fifteen minutes are up - hope you enjoyed my stream of consciousness writing! Happy Friday!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Southern Sundays
"The biggest myth about Southern women is that we are frail types... fainting on our sofas. Nobody where I grew up ever acted like that. We were about as fragile as coal trucks." -Lee Smith
Gotta love us Southern women! Happy Sunday y'all!
Friday, January 13, 2012
My Top Ten: Oxford
I am definitely a Mississippi Girl! I have had the opportunity to live in South, Central, and North Mississippi at some point in my life. And for one year, my job required me to travel all over the state visiting towns that most people don't even know exist. I love my Mississippi and all the rich culture it has to offer. Now, I live in Oxford. A jewel of a town in our state. When I moved here five years ago from Hattiesburg, I thought that moving to a smaller place would slow my life down. Not so at all! In fact, most nights you have to force yourself to stay home because there are so many activities. The following are some of my favorite things about my "Northern" home:
10. Thacker Mountain Radio - I moved here hoping to cultivate my writing and Thacker Mountain Radio always gives me a dose of much needed inspiration to get my creativity going.
9. AJAX - Southern food with some extra spice! The first restaurant I tried when visiting Oxford many years ago and have loved ever since!
8. The Square - You feel like you have stepped on a movie set. I never knew that people actually walked and hung out on town squares regularly unless a festival was going on until I moved to Oxford. I felt like I had been cast in an episode of Gilmore Girls and was visiting Stars Hollow.
7. The Balcony of City Grocery - No better place to have a glass of wine with friends and family on a cool night overlooking The Square.
6. Square Books and Off Square Books - Another place to nurture the writer/reader soul!
5. Ole Miss - The Chronicle of Higher Education got it right when they named Ole Miss one of the best places to work. I work with some of the best, congenial people that make coming to work fun!
4. The Grove - Anyone up for a party?
3. Bottletree Bakery, Boure, Big Bad Breakfast, Volta, Roosters, Old Venice, Soulshine Pizza.... - Oxford is a foodie's dream come true! I was warned when I moved here I would gain about 15 pounds. Thankfully, I learned quickly how to manage indulging in the food while not gaining weight! If you do anything when you come here, make sure you eat because Oxford is a southern town after all!
2. An Active City - Sidewalks are not only visible around here, they are used. People walk, run, bike. People use the gyms and parks. We are an active city which, I suppose, is why we can indulge in all the items listed above in number 3.
1. And the most important part - the people. I am so grateful for the friendships that I enjoy here. I think that five years ago I didn't know these people who are a huge part of my life and now it is like I have always known them.
10. Thacker Mountain Radio - I moved here hoping to cultivate my writing and Thacker Mountain Radio always gives me a dose of much needed inspiration to get my creativity going.
9. AJAX - Southern food with some extra spice! The first restaurant I tried when visiting Oxford many years ago and have loved ever since!
8. The Square - You feel like you have stepped on a movie set. I never knew that people actually walked and hung out on town squares regularly unless a festival was going on until I moved to Oxford. I felt like I had been cast in an episode of Gilmore Girls and was visiting Stars Hollow.
7. The Balcony of City Grocery - No better place to have a glass of wine with friends and family on a cool night overlooking The Square.
6. Square Books and Off Square Books - Another place to nurture the writer/reader soul!
5. Ole Miss - The Chronicle of Higher Education got it right when they named Ole Miss one of the best places to work. I work with some of the best, congenial people that make coming to work fun!
4. The Grove - Anyone up for a party?
3. Bottletree Bakery, Boure, Big Bad Breakfast, Volta, Roosters, Old Venice, Soulshine Pizza.... - Oxford is a foodie's dream come true! I was warned when I moved here I would gain about 15 pounds. Thankfully, I learned quickly how to manage indulging in the food while not gaining weight! If you do anything when you come here, make sure you eat because Oxford is a southern town after all!
2. An Active City - Sidewalks are not only visible around here, they are used. People walk, run, bike. People use the gyms and parks. We are an active city which, I suppose, is why we can indulge in all the items listed above in number 3.
1. And the most important part - the people. I am so grateful for the friendships that I enjoy here. I think that five years ago I didn't know these people who are a huge part of my life and now it is like I have always known them.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Southern Sundays: Yes, it does snow in Mississippi
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| Even though it is in the 60s this weekend with no snow in sight, this is what it looked like a year ago. This picture is what happens to grown women who grew up in South Mississippi...snow turns us into excited children! |
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| Very intent on building the best snowman EVER! |
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| Mom and me posing with our tropical snowwoman! |
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| In case you can't tell - I am excited! |
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| The snow accumulated from 8 to 12 inches...it was a Mississippi blizzard! |
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| Southern dogs were confused.... |
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| Anybody game for a swim? |
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| Want to lounge by the pool? |
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| The snow was peaceful, beautiful and fun. While I don't want a long and dreary winter, I would welcome one good snow...during the week preferably because a snow day never hurts! |
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
The New Year Fun List
I love the beginning of a New Year. The potential of what is to come in the new year excites me. For years, my mother and I have armed ourselves with quite a few January edition magazines as we buy into the promises on the glossy covers that claim our lives will be changed for the better if we just follow their simple steps. We scour the magazines and get inspired to make the coming year the best year yet! So I happily make a long list of resolutions each year while I dine on the traditional Southern fare of black eyed peas, cornbread, and cabbage. Of course, as a Modern Day Southern Belle, I throw in a mimosa or two or...well never mind the number.
I have long ignored the naysayers who rely on the cliche' that they don't make resolutions. I just let them be in their droopy, dreary party by themselves. They can entertain each other as they use the saying that everyone who isn't creative enough to come up with a resolution says: "My resolution is to not make any resolutions this year." I have never heard that saying before, bless their hearts.
I was reading the typical responses of resolutions in a local newspaper article when one response stood out - to make a fun list of things to do in 2012. Surely, even the grumpy cynics like fun right? With the fun list as inspiration, I came up with a combination of 50 resolutions, goals, and fun to do items for 2012. Yes, 50. It is a lot but I do have a whole year! And some of my goals make the list year after year. For example, I have yet to make the sugarfree healthy cheesecake that has appeared on my list for the last ten years but making the dessert a goal each year is a tradition now and one day I will make it.
While I haven't made the cheesecake (yet), I do accomplish many of my resolutions and goals each year. Like last year, I completely met the challenge of buying more shoes! It was tough but I sacrificed and bought away. I felt so proud of myself every time the cashier rang up another pair. Each time a purchase was made, I thought, "Take that naysayers - you can accomplish your resolutions! Even hard ones, like buying more shoes!"
I am very excited about my list of 50 this year. Below are a few of my ideas for 2012 if you need some inspiration to create your own.
1. Buy more jeans (I did so good with the shoes, I know I will be successful with this goal!)
2. Travel to a destination I have never been before (advice from the Dalai Lama for what one should do every year)
3. Read one book every month
4. Finally finish writing my first book
5. Cook more and discover new recipes
6. Practice mindfulness
7. Exercise more (here I come Zumba and Yoga!)
8. Snap away (learn more about my photography hobby)
9. Go to the beach a lot (a lot!) this summer
10. Attend one of the painting classes at YAC
11. Blog more (Watch for the coming weekly posts "Southern Sundays" that will feature pieces on Southern life such as food, photography, advice, stories, and events).
And the list goes on for 39 more items, some are deep and some are frivolous but all will work to contribute to another great year! Happy 2012!
I have long ignored the naysayers who rely on the cliche' that they don't make resolutions. I just let them be in their droopy, dreary party by themselves. They can entertain each other as they use the saying that everyone who isn't creative enough to come up with a resolution says: "My resolution is to not make any resolutions this year." I have never heard that saying before, bless their hearts.
I was reading the typical responses of resolutions in a local newspaper article when one response stood out - to make a fun list of things to do in 2012. Surely, even the grumpy cynics like fun right? With the fun list as inspiration, I came up with a combination of 50 resolutions, goals, and fun to do items for 2012. Yes, 50. It is a lot but I do have a whole year! And some of my goals make the list year after year. For example, I have yet to make the sugarfree healthy cheesecake that has appeared on my list for the last ten years but making the dessert a goal each year is a tradition now and one day I will make it.
While I haven't made the cheesecake (yet), I do accomplish many of my resolutions and goals each year. Like last year, I completely met the challenge of buying more shoes! It was tough but I sacrificed and bought away. I felt so proud of myself every time the cashier rang up another pair. Each time a purchase was made, I thought, "Take that naysayers - you can accomplish your resolutions! Even hard ones, like buying more shoes!"
I am very excited about my list of 50 this year. Below are a few of my ideas for 2012 if you need some inspiration to create your own.
1. Buy more jeans (I did so good with the shoes, I know I will be successful with this goal!)
2. Travel to a destination I have never been before (advice from the Dalai Lama for what one should do every year)
3. Read one book every month
4. Finally finish writing my first book
5. Cook more and discover new recipes
6. Practice mindfulness
7. Exercise more (here I come Zumba and Yoga!)
8. Snap away (learn more about my photography hobby)
9. Go to the beach a lot (a lot!) this summer
10. Attend one of the painting classes at YAC
11. Blog more (Watch for the coming weekly posts "Southern Sundays" that will feature pieces on Southern life such as food, photography, advice, stories, and events).
And the list goes on for 39 more items, some are deep and some are frivolous but all will work to contribute to another great year! Happy 2012!
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| Boyfriend and I made a delicious New Year's Eve Dinner: Boiled Shrimp, Roasted Rosemary Potatoes, and Green Beans sauteed with bacon and onion. Definitely a repeat menu for the future. |
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| Me on New Year's complete with my crown! |
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