How intriguing is communication? Both verbal and non-verbal. The answer for me is extremely.
Think about how much we communicate every single day and with how many people. It is astounding. How often do we conciously think about how we communicate? How much time do we put into learning and improving our communication? The words we use and the way we use them are so important and yet there is often little thought put into them. The non-verbal signals we send in our body language, tone, eye contact and gestures for example can often say more than the words themselves. I almost think it is an art that we all use and that we all must continually work to improve.
The english language is massive. The number of words we have to choose from is outstanding, and yet there are often no words to adequately express a thought or feeling. Each one of us interprets those words in different ways. It just amazes me. There is so much room for misunderstanding. We have to be aware of this to better understand each other. I think this has lead me to occassionally be a bit over-communicative. The goal is to get as close as possible to having the other person understand my thought as I understand it. There are so many barriers in the way of that happening. We are all individuals, with different perspectives, different life experiences and backgrounds, different associations with certain words or tones, different cultures of gestures and expressions, leaving so much room for error in transmitting a thought or feeling through communications.
I won't even touch on the changes that technology bring into this! I just want to get you thinking. I am completely intrigued by communication. It is a constant for all of us. I believe this should mean it should be a constant focus for improvement as well. Think how much better work would be if everyone could learn to communicate with each other better. Think of how much better all your relationships would be if communication was improved. Even in retail or restaurants. It is a huge topic with many different facets. Just something to ponder....
Please let me know if you have any thoughts on the subject!
"Communication works for those who work at it." -John Powell
"The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place." -George Bernard Shaw
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
Music
Isn't it incredible how much power music has over your feelings?
One of my favorite things to do is jam in the car or in my living room to a great song. George thinks I'm crazy when I dance around my living room, and many people have probably seen me rocking out in my car, but I just don't particularly care. It feels so free. I feel so much through music. One of my favorite quotes is:
"Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent." Victor Hugo
Sometimes music makes you contemplative or melancholy, other times it can make you rejoice with gratitude. Most of my favorite songs make my heart full of joy and love. No matter how it makes you feel, music can completely transform your thoughts and your mood in any gien moment. Lyrics are sometimes the cause, other times it is the beat, and some of the best songs have both. Most recently Michael Franti has been my inspiration for these thoughts on the love of music. His music sounds happy and full of love, it is kind of reggae. He provides positive messages full of hope, love and fath. I am a big believer of hope, love and faith. Here are some of my favorite lyrics.
"Life is too short to make just one decision. Music's too large for just one station. Love is too big for just one nation. And God is too big for just one religion."
"I wake up every mornin and I'm steppin on the floor, I wake up every mornin and I'm stepping out the door. I got faith in the sky, faith in the One, faith in the people rockin underneath the sun."
"My momma told me don't lose you, cause the best luck I had was you...It seems like everywhere I go the more I see the less I know"
"So if you're feelin down and out, got no place to go now. Just sing along to the music y'all, let it fill your soul now, because everyone deserves music, sweet music."
"Don't let nobody ever tell you that it couldn't be done, Don't let nobody ever tell you that we couldn't be one, Don't let nobody ever tell you that it shouldn't be sung, Don't let nobody ever tell you you're the only one. Singing hey, hey, hey No matter how life is today There's just one thing that I got to say I won't let another moment slip away."
"See when you need a friend, Somebody to walk to, My friend, somebody to talk to, I'll be right there waiting for you."
There are many more lyrics, songs, and artists that I love, this is just my most recent joy of music that I wanted to share. What are your thoughts? :)
One of my favorite things to do is jam in the car or in my living room to a great song. George thinks I'm crazy when I dance around my living room, and many people have probably seen me rocking out in my car, but I just don't particularly care. It feels so free. I feel so much through music. One of my favorite quotes is:
"Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent." Victor Hugo
Sometimes music makes you contemplative or melancholy, other times it can make you rejoice with gratitude. Most of my favorite songs make my heart full of joy and love. No matter how it makes you feel, music can completely transform your thoughts and your mood in any gien moment. Lyrics are sometimes the cause, other times it is the beat, and some of the best songs have both. Most recently Michael Franti has been my inspiration for these thoughts on the love of music. His music sounds happy and full of love, it is kind of reggae. He provides positive messages full of hope, love and fath. I am a big believer of hope, love and faith. Here are some of my favorite lyrics.
"Life is too short to make just one decision. Music's too large for just one station. Love is too big for just one nation. And God is too big for just one religion."
"I wake up every mornin and I'm steppin on the floor, I wake up every mornin and I'm stepping out the door. I got faith in the sky, faith in the One, faith in the people rockin underneath the sun."
"My momma told me don't lose you, cause the best luck I had was you...It seems like everywhere I go the more I see the less I know"
"So if you're feelin down and out, got no place to go now. Just sing along to the music y'all, let it fill your soul now, because everyone deserves music, sweet music."
"Don't let nobody ever tell you that it couldn't be done, Don't let nobody ever tell you that we couldn't be one, Don't let nobody ever tell you that it shouldn't be sung, Don't let nobody ever tell you you're the only one. Singing hey, hey, hey No matter how life is today There's just one thing that I got to say I won't let another moment slip away."
"See when you need a friend, Somebody to walk to, My friend, somebody to talk to, I'll be right there waiting for you."
There are many more lyrics, songs, and artists that I love, this is just my most recent joy of music that I wanted to share. What are your thoughts? :)
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Photomaniac
I have been called a "photomaniac" before. This was in reference of my love for photos, not a love for light as could be the meaning of the word. It is true, I do love a camera in my hands. Although I have not delved too far into the manual use of cameras or the professional side of photography, something about being behind the lens makes me feel at peace. I prefer my digital SLR, but always have my point and shoot in my purse.
I just purchased a new camera. I am partial to Nikon's for some reason. I believe in the pictures the Nikon lens produces and the quality of the brand. My new point and shoot is a 16 megapixel (which I really don't believe makes much of a difference in everyday use above 8 mp or so, but it sounds impressive), 7X zoom camera with a touch screen. I'm not sure how I will like the touch screen, but it is difficult to find many small point and shoots with more than a 3X zoom, and I was convinced this was the newest and best of the point and shoot Nikons. I am excited to learn this new camera and what all it is capable of. My old one worked perfectly fine, but I was feeling the urge to get something new, like somehow I was lagging behind in the world of cameras! Now I have the itch to get a new digital SLR as well. Cameras are just exciting to me I guess, even though I'm nowhere near an expert on them.
I like to think I have a good eye for photos. I enjoy trying to capture images that are unique to my perspective. I think it is intriguing to see the difference in a picture based on a perspective. We all have a different view of life, and we get to see a glimpse of each other's views through photography. I'm not incredibly knowledgable technically, but I understand the basics. I want to get out and click the shutter. I want to capture what is around me. There is beauty and intrique everywhere we go, and sometimes it doesn't feel like enough to just soak it all in with my eyes. One interesting thing to me is that it seems to feel like a personal thing to me, as if I just want to be alone behind my camera capturing whatever it is I am capturing. This is why I have never been much interested in trying to do portriats. I'm not very vocal, I don't know how to tell someone what I want them to do or be in a picture. I am more interested in the candid shots, the unplanned moments.
I would say photography is my one real hobby, even though I don't know a whole lot, even though I don't go out to shoot photos that often, even though I don't share it with many others. I love it, it puts me at peace, makes me feel completely vulnerable and open to the world, and gives me something that is completely mine. I like to think I get one absolutely incredible picture for ever 1,000 I take! Now I feel the need to get out and take some pictures...
I just purchased a new camera. I am partial to Nikon's for some reason. I believe in the pictures the Nikon lens produces and the quality of the brand. My new point and shoot is a 16 megapixel (which I really don't believe makes much of a difference in everyday use above 8 mp or so, but it sounds impressive), 7X zoom camera with a touch screen. I'm not sure how I will like the touch screen, but it is difficult to find many small point and shoots with more than a 3X zoom, and I was convinced this was the newest and best of the point and shoot Nikons. I am excited to learn this new camera and what all it is capable of. My old one worked perfectly fine, but I was feeling the urge to get something new, like somehow I was lagging behind in the world of cameras! Now I have the itch to get a new digital SLR as well. Cameras are just exciting to me I guess, even though I'm nowhere near an expert on them.
I like to think I have a good eye for photos. I enjoy trying to capture images that are unique to my perspective. I think it is intriguing to see the difference in a picture based on a perspective. We all have a different view of life, and we get to see a glimpse of each other's views through photography. I'm not incredibly knowledgable technically, but I understand the basics. I want to get out and click the shutter. I want to capture what is around me. There is beauty and intrique everywhere we go, and sometimes it doesn't feel like enough to just soak it all in with my eyes. One interesting thing to me is that it seems to feel like a personal thing to me, as if I just want to be alone behind my camera capturing whatever it is I am capturing. This is why I have never been much interested in trying to do portriats. I'm not very vocal, I don't know how to tell someone what I want them to do or be in a picture. I am more interested in the candid shots, the unplanned moments.
I would say photography is my one real hobby, even though I don't know a whole lot, even though I don't go out to shoot photos that often, even though I don't share it with many others. I love it, it puts me at peace, makes me feel completely vulnerable and open to the world, and gives me something that is completely mine. I like to think I get one absolutely incredible picture for ever 1,000 I take! Now I feel the need to get out and take some pictures...
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Passionate discussion
This week I was strongly reminded of something I am passionate about - learning, experiencing, growing, embracing opportunities, and having an open-mind. I know that is several "somethings", but to me it is all related.
I was given the unique opportunity to attend a motivational business seminar with many high profile speakers for free and an excused absence from work. My first reaction was heck yes sign me up! There was no hesitation, knowing I had no deadlines that would prevent me from being able to miss that day of work. However, I heard some skepticism and doubt around the office. Co-workers spoke of how it is only a sales pitch, or they didn't agree with some of the speakers, or it would just be an over-crowded feel good seminar that didn't help, or you would only be brainwashed by what the speakers had to say.
What?!?
My first argument here is that I believe YOU have complete control over whether you will be brainwashed or not. Go in with an OPEN mind but also some healthy sense of skepticism to ask questions and not blindly accept what others say. YOU also have control over whether you spend your money. They may try to sell you the moon, that doesn't mean you don't have to buy it. Know that they will try to sell things and control that for yourself. Say no, move on. The entire seminar is not strictly selling.
Secondly, high profile speakers, no matter what their political affiliation, race, age, sex, religion, or whatever else you want to label them with, are intriguing people. They have had experiences that you and I have not. Whether you agree with them or not, like them or not, they have something to offer. Actually, I believe everyone has something to offer each of us. That's the beauty of people, we are all different in our experiences and our perspectives. Listening to such prominent people speak about what they know and what they have experienced is a blessing. They are where they are for some reason, whether you agree with that or not. You never know what could resonate with you.
Thirdly, it is a FREE, EXCUSED absence from work. Need I say more? Grab the opportunity!
It is a chance to grow, to learn something new, to expand your mind. You don't have to change your mind, but by expanding it to new ideas, thoughts and experiences you can only grow. I cannot say this will or will not benefit me until I go and see for myself. I do not blindly accept someone saying this is life-changing, but I will not blindly accept someone telling me it is not worth my time. I will decide that myself. Even if I end up thinking it is negative, it is one more experience I can cross off my list.
That is my belief. It continues to be a strong belief.
I was given the unique opportunity to attend a motivational business seminar with many high profile speakers for free and an excused absence from work. My first reaction was heck yes sign me up! There was no hesitation, knowing I had no deadlines that would prevent me from being able to miss that day of work. However, I heard some skepticism and doubt around the office. Co-workers spoke of how it is only a sales pitch, or they didn't agree with some of the speakers, or it would just be an over-crowded feel good seminar that didn't help, or you would only be brainwashed by what the speakers had to say.
What?!?
My first argument here is that I believe YOU have complete control over whether you will be brainwashed or not. Go in with an OPEN mind but also some healthy sense of skepticism to ask questions and not blindly accept what others say. YOU also have control over whether you spend your money. They may try to sell you the moon, that doesn't mean you don't have to buy it. Know that they will try to sell things and control that for yourself. Say no, move on. The entire seminar is not strictly selling.
Secondly, high profile speakers, no matter what their political affiliation, race, age, sex, religion, or whatever else you want to label them with, are intriguing people. They have had experiences that you and I have not. Whether you agree with them or not, like them or not, they have something to offer. Actually, I believe everyone has something to offer each of us. That's the beauty of people, we are all different in our experiences and our perspectives. Listening to such prominent people speak about what they know and what they have experienced is a blessing. They are where they are for some reason, whether you agree with that or not. You never know what could resonate with you.
Thirdly, it is a FREE, EXCUSED absence from work. Need I say more? Grab the opportunity!
It is a chance to grow, to learn something new, to expand your mind. You don't have to change your mind, but by expanding it to new ideas, thoughts and experiences you can only grow. I cannot say this will or will not benefit me until I go and see for myself. I do not blindly accept someone saying this is life-changing, but I will not blindly accept someone telling me it is not worth my time. I will decide that myself. Even if I end up thinking it is negative, it is one more experience I can cross off my list.
That is my belief. It continues to be a strong belief.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Questions
I have a few questions for you today. I will answer with my response, please leave your responses with a comment!
Q: How often did you fly a kite as a child? How many people out of 10 do you think flew a kite more than once as a child?
A: I don't ever remember flying a kite as a child. We may have tried in our backyard once or twice, but never really did. I wonder if this is strange.
Q: When you have several unread emails in your inbox, do you start reading them from the top (most recently received) or the bottom (recieved first)? Is it different for your personal or work email?
A: I start reading my work emails from the bottom, or the email I received first, because they have priority. I want to respond to them first since they were sent to me first. Also, if there are several emails on the same topic, starting with the first one gives me the whole story. I read my personal emails by which ones I want to read, there is really no order involved.
Q: How much sleep do you usually get / what is your ideal amount of sleep?
A: I probably average 7 hours a night, pretty satisfactory. I believe 8.5 hours is my ideal. I need my sleep, it keeps me happy and healthy!! My only problem is that I would rather stay up late and sleep in the morning...waiting for retirement I guess.
Q: Toilet paper / paper towels - over or under?
A: Over.
Q: How often did you fly a kite as a child? How many people out of 10 do you think flew a kite more than once as a child?
A: I don't ever remember flying a kite as a child. We may have tried in our backyard once or twice, but never really did. I wonder if this is strange.
Q: When you have several unread emails in your inbox, do you start reading them from the top (most recently received) or the bottom (recieved first)? Is it different for your personal or work email?
A: I start reading my work emails from the bottom, or the email I received first, because they have priority. I want to respond to them first since they were sent to me first. Also, if there are several emails on the same topic, starting with the first one gives me the whole story. I read my personal emails by which ones I want to read, there is really no order involved.
Q: How much sleep do you usually get / what is your ideal amount of sleep?
A: I probably average 7 hours a night, pretty satisfactory. I believe 8.5 hours is my ideal. I need my sleep, it keeps me happy and healthy!! My only problem is that I would rather stay up late and sleep in the morning...waiting for retirement I guess.
Q: Toilet paper / paper towels - over or under?
A: Over.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
PB & J
A peanut butter and jelly sandwich. One of life's simple pleasures. Not only are they easy and cheap to make, but they actually taste delicious and are not terrible for you. You loved them as a child and continue to love them in adulthood. Sometimes it is dinner because I am lazy, while sometimes it really is what I crave.
Now here comes the interesting part...Creamy or crunchy? Jelly or jam?
I think most everyone has a clear, strong preference on both of these questions. Personally, I'm a proponent of creamy pb and grape jam. I guess I should call it a peanut butter and jam sandwich. I also tend to prefer a good whole grain wheat bread with slightly more peanut butter than jam.
Creamy peanut butter smells delicious. It looks delicious. It spreads so easily. I especially love natural creamy peanut butter. I don't want chunks in there, I don't want to work to eat my peanut butter.
Grape jam is a pure classic. Grape is the only flavor to go with for a peanut butter and jam sandwich. Jelly is just lumpy. You have to almost "cut" it up to spread it evenly. Jam spreads smoothly and evenly. It tastes more natural. I'm not sure why jelly would be preferred for any occasion. (I will give you preserves, strawberry is my favorite, for toast or biscuits.)
Peanut butter and jam sandwiches are made better cut in half. Potato chips are a common choice of side, but apple sauce, carrots, peas, cucumbers, an apple, and pasta or potato salad are also some of my favorites. It is best washed down with a cold glass of milk or pop. Childish though it may seem, the peanut butter and jam sandwich is a classic that will always be satisfying.
Please let me know what your preferences are. It is interesting to see other's habits.
Now here comes the interesting part...Creamy or crunchy? Jelly or jam?
I think most everyone has a clear, strong preference on both of these questions. Personally, I'm a proponent of creamy pb and grape jam. I guess I should call it a peanut butter and jam sandwich. I also tend to prefer a good whole grain wheat bread with slightly more peanut butter than jam.
Creamy peanut butter smells delicious. It looks delicious. It spreads so easily. I especially love natural creamy peanut butter. I don't want chunks in there, I don't want to work to eat my peanut butter.
Grape jam is a pure classic. Grape is the only flavor to go with for a peanut butter and jam sandwich. Jelly is just lumpy. You have to almost "cut" it up to spread it evenly. Jam spreads smoothly and evenly. It tastes more natural. I'm not sure why jelly would be preferred for any occasion. (I will give you preserves, strawberry is my favorite, for toast or biscuits.)
Peanut butter and jam sandwiches are made better cut in half. Potato chips are a common choice of side, but apple sauce, carrots, peas, cucumbers, an apple, and pasta or potato salad are also some of my favorites. It is best washed down with a cold glass of milk or pop. Childish though it may seem, the peanut butter and jam sandwich is a classic that will always be satisfying.
Please let me know what your preferences are. It is interesting to see other's habits.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Travel Bug
I am in a writing mood tonight!
One huge love of mine: TRAVEL
I believe travel to be a very broad term. To me, it encompasses adventure, and what is life without adventure?! Travel can mean going to the other side of town you never venture to, or going around the world to an exotic remote location.
Travel has always been important to me. As a child my family always took summer vacations. I was incredibly lucky to see so much of the United States growing up. I treasure those memories, even the long car rides with two annoying brothers. High school provided me the opportunity to see London and Paris. One of the best decisions of my life led me to study in Australia. This was where the travel bug really bit me hard. While in Australia for five months, I was able to make it to every state and territory. We spent much of our time seeing the country. Ever since returning I feel the need to go somewhere much more often - at least once a month!
I enjoy travel by plane, by boat, by train, by bus, or by car. I enjoy travel with friends, with family, and even by myself. College made saving money for travel difficult but I had plenty of time for it. Now it has become much easier to save but more difficult to take the time! I have become better with long weekend travel and local travel. My belief is that taking yourself out of your comfort zone and putting yourself in new surroundings is necessary for growth and excitement in your life. While this can mean trying a new restaurant or taking a new route to work, a trip to somewhere farther from home is sure to put you in a new state of mind - literally and figuratively. :)
My hope is to be able to continue my passion for seeing the world, one small corner at a time, throughout my life. It is one thing that is on my mind most every day. The prospect of travel brings me excitement and joy no matter how short or close my trip may be. Maybe we can travel together some day, near or far. I think it brings those taking the trip so much closer by experiencing the travel together. New light, new perspective is often found through travel. However, an important note must be made that travel is perhaps most fully enjoyed with a wide open mind and spirit. I try to always have both.
The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page. ~St. Augustine
The traveler sees what he sees. The tourist sees what he has come to see. ~G.K. Chesterton
Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind. ~Seneca
One huge love of mine: TRAVEL
I believe travel to be a very broad term. To me, it encompasses adventure, and what is life without adventure?! Travel can mean going to the other side of town you never venture to, or going around the world to an exotic remote location.
Travel has always been important to me. As a child my family always took summer vacations. I was incredibly lucky to see so much of the United States growing up. I treasure those memories, even the long car rides with two annoying brothers. High school provided me the opportunity to see London and Paris. One of the best decisions of my life led me to study in Australia. This was where the travel bug really bit me hard. While in Australia for five months, I was able to make it to every state and territory. We spent much of our time seeing the country. Ever since returning I feel the need to go somewhere much more often - at least once a month!
I enjoy travel by plane, by boat, by train, by bus, or by car. I enjoy travel with friends, with family, and even by myself. College made saving money for travel difficult but I had plenty of time for it. Now it has become much easier to save but more difficult to take the time! I have become better with long weekend travel and local travel. My belief is that taking yourself out of your comfort zone and putting yourself in new surroundings is necessary for growth and excitement in your life. While this can mean trying a new restaurant or taking a new route to work, a trip to somewhere farther from home is sure to put you in a new state of mind - literally and figuratively. :)
My hope is to be able to continue my passion for seeing the world, one small corner at a time, throughout my life. It is one thing that is on my mind most every day. The prospect of travel brings me excitement and joy no matter how short or close my trip may be. Maybe we can travel together some day, near or far. I think it brings those taking the trip so much closer by experiencing the travel together. New light, new perspective is often found through travel. However, an important note must be made that travel is perhaps most fully enjoyed with a wide open mind and spirit. I try to always have both.
The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page. ~St. Augustine
The traveler sees what he sees. The tourist sees what he has come to see. ~G.K. Chesterton
Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind. ~Seneca
Friday, February 25, 2011
Smart Kiddos
It's been awhile! I just have a quick post tonight. The videos below are just too cute not to share with people. Other people have shared them with me and I hope you get a smile from them as well. We can learn more from little kids than we probably realize! I hope you all have a wonderful evening and a relaxing weekend.
Friday, February 4, 2011
A Good Deed A Day Keeps The Hatred Away?
I seem to want to write often but have difficulty forming a whole thought process to discuss. This is probably why my blogs are not as often as I would like and tend to be long-winded.
Thought for today: Good deeds.
I try to make a conscious effort to do at least one good deed a day. I believe in the pay it forward idea, the circle of love, karma, or whatever you want to call it. Not only is it what we are called to do, but it is a small thing that can lead us in the right direction to a peaceful world. I cannot much control other people, but I can control the way in which I live and the things I do for others that impact their lives in some way.
Some days my good deed is as small as holding the door for someone a ways away when I'd rather be lazy and let it go or giving a couple extra dollars in the tip for a nice wait staff. Today it was a little more of a good deed. Either way, it makes me happy to know I've done what little I can for someone else's betterment.
A co-worker blew a tire on the way to work this morning. They have a long commute so this made it much longer, waiting for roadside assistance and driving slowly with a donut tire. Another co-worker got a few of us together with an idea. They thought we could get together and steal our co-workers car at lunch. We could go get a new tire put on for them so they didn't have to worry about it. We all agreed and the plan went off without a hitch until we were almost done. Our co-worker wanted to show off the donut tire but couldn't find their car out the window! We held their curiosity until we got the car back in the parking lot. It took them awhile to notice what we had done...they thought we had played some kind of prank on them. It was such a sweet moment when they realized what we had all chipped in to do for them.
I'm not trying to toot my own horn here. My point is to try to provide some spark in all of us. I did not come up with this idea, I just jumped on board after it was proposed to me. I can challenge myself to think of things like this more often for more people and I think you can as well.
We shouldn't have to be asked by our friends and family to do nice things for them when they need it or even when they don't need it. We can all do more everyday to brighten someone else's day than we really give ourselves credit for. Maybe if we make a conscious effort to start, someday it will just happen unconsciously. I believe this attitude should of course be applied to friends and family, but also to those who are strangers or acquaintances. It was Plato who said "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." I truly believe small acts can have big impacts.
My goal is to continue challenging myself to think of and perform more small acts of kindness in the hopes of making some larger difference in this world. I hope you join me in this challenge.
I did a google search and found this interesting site:
http://thegooddeedsorganisation.com/Vision.aspx
Check it out for more inspiration and some good ideas. Really your own idea is the best idea.
Another one to check out:
http://gooddeedaday.com/
Thanks for listening. I hope I can do something nice for you soon.
Thought for today: Good deeds.
I try to make a conscious effort to do at least one good deed a day. I believe in the pay it forward idea, the circle of love, karma, or whatever you want to call it. Not only is it what we are called to do, but it is a small thing that can lead us in the right direction to a peaceful world. I cannot much control other people, but I can control the way in which I live and the things I do for others that impact their lives in some way.
Some days my good deed is as small as holding the door for someone a ways away when I'd rather be lazy and let it go or giving a couple extra dollars in the tip for a nice wait staff. Today it was a little more of a good deed. Either way, it makes me happy to know I've done what little I can for someone else's betterment.
A co-worker blew a tire on the way to work this morning. They have a long commute so this made it much longer, waiting for roadside assistance and driving slowly with a donut tire. Another co-worker got a few of us together with an idea. They thought we could get together and steal our co-workers car at lunch. We could go get a new tire put on for them so they didn't have to worry about it. We all agreed and the plan went off without a hitch until we were almost done. Our co-worker wanted to show off the donut tire but couldn't find their car out the window! We held their curiosity until we got the car back in the parking lot. It took them awhile to notice what we had done...they thought we had played some kind of prank on them. It was such a sweet moment when they realized what we had all chipped in to do for them.
I'm not trying to toot my own horn here. My point is to try to provide some spark in all of us. I did not come up with this idea, I just jumped on board after it was proposed to me. I can challenge myself to think of things like this more often for more people and I think you can as well.
We shouldn't have to be asked by our friends and family to do nice things for them when they need it or even when they don't need it. We can all do more everyday to brighten someone else's day than we really give ourselves credit for. Maybe if we make a conscious effort to start, someday it will just happen unconsciously. I believe this attitude should of course be applied to friends and family, but also to those who are strangers or acquaintances. It was Plato who said "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." I truly believe small acts can have big impacts.
My goal is to continue challenging myself to think of and perform more small acts of kindness in the hopes of making some larger difference in this world. I hope you join me in this challenge.
I did a google search and found this interesting site:
http://thegooddeedsorganisation.com/Vision.aspx
Check it out for more inspiration and some good ideas. Really your own idea is the best idea.
Another one to check out:
http://gooddeedaday.com/
Thanks for listening. I hope I can do something nice for you soon.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
DOG LOVER
If you know me I am sure it is no secret that I love animals, especially dogs.
Our first dog, Tumbles, was with us from before I was born until we moved in 1989. I don't remember much of him, but I'm sure I liked pulling his tail and other things little children do to pets. Soon after we moved into our new house we got Spiffy, an american eskimo, or spitz. She was my childhood dog. I loved her so very much. She was a part of our family. She saw everything, knew everything, accepted what I'm sure was torture to her when I was young, and was still there to wag her tail when I would come home for a visit from college. She was incredibly lovable. I'm honestly not sure I had yet experienced anything so heartbreaking when she died. I didn't want to go home without her in the house because it was a strange and almost uncomfortable feeling. This was a reality check of just how much of a dog person I was - I felt the need to have a dog in the house.
Within a year my mom got another dog, Corky. A couple years later my dad got a dog as well, Maggie. In that time frame my now sister-in-law got a puppy, Pongo, and when they moved to Denver they got another dog, Perdi. So I had several dogs in my life!! My last year in college I was even blessed to have Pearl, my roommate's dog, in our house. So when I moved into my apartment and got a job I knew I wouldn't be able to last too long without a dog. It was high on my list, but I wanted to make sure I got the right dog for me and for my lifestyle. I wouldn't have lasted near as long without all these other dogs in my life! After a year, I found him. I had been looking off and on but was finally ready to get serious about adopting in the fall. I had asked about one dog that was online but she was already taken by the time I found her. Within that week I found George online as well. I thought, well, he's not exactly what I was looking for and he could be cuter, but he sounds like a pretty great dog. I adopted George from a shelter south of Emporia on November 6th and couldn't be happier. He is such a great little dog.
George brings even more joy into my life. There is nothing better than seeing a tail wagging when you get home from work every day. Dogs never fail you, they never judge you, they only know to love you. They even seem to forget that you've left them in their kennel all day, or all night. Forgiveness is immediate. I can't imagine how people couldn't be dog lovers. I can't imagine where they would get this feeling from! However, I am sure this all sounds strange to someone who is not a dog lover.
Cheesy or not, George has reminded me just how much I am capable of loving and just how big my heart can be. He brings pure joy and goodness into my life every single day. It brightens my day to see him run around in circles in excitement to see me, to see him zoom around the living room chasing himself, to throw his toys in the air, or to see him hop around outside in the snow. Although I have always loved dogs, to have George be my very own dog that I am his one "master" is a whole new feeling. After a long hard day he helps to keep things in perspective. Even after a great day he just makes it end perfectly. I love him so much and I can't even begin to imagine how much love will overflow from me if I am ever blessed with children of my own.
I'm sure it sounds crazy, he's just a dog after all!! If you are like me, though, I am sure you can understand. There is nothing like the unconditional love of a dog, especially your dog.
We long for an affection altogether ignorant of our faults. Heaven has accorded this to us in the uncritical canine attachment. ~George Eliot
Our first dog, Tumbles, was with us from before I was born until we moved in 1989. I don't remember much of him, but I'm sure I liked pulling his tail and other things little children do to pets. Soon after we moved into our new house we got Spiffy, an american eskimo, or spitz. She was my childhood dog. I loved her so very much. She was a part of our family. She saw everything, knew everything, accepted what I'm sure was torture to her when I was young, and was still there to wag her tail when I would come home for a visit from college. She was incredibly lovable. I'm honestly not sure I had yet experienced anything so heartbreaking when she died. I didn't want to go home without her in the house because it was a strange and almost uncomfortable feeling. This was a reality check of just how much of a dog person I was - I felt the need to have a dog in the house.
Within a year my mom got another dog, Corky. A couple years later my dad got a dog as well, Maggie. In that time frame my now sister-in-law got a puppy, Pongo, and when they moved to Denver they got another dog, Perdi. So I had several dogs in my life!! My last year in college I was even blessed to have Pearl, my roommate's dog, in our house. So when I moved into my apartment and got a job I knew I wouldn't be able to last too long without a dog. It was high on my list, but I wanted to make sure I got the right dog for me and for my lifestyle. I wouldn't have lasted near as long without all these other dogs in my life! After a year, I found him. I had been looking off and on but was finally ready to get serious about adopting in the fall. I had asked about one dog that was online but she was already taken by the time I found her. Within that week I found George online as well. I thought, well, he's not exactly what I was looking for and he could be cuter, but he sounds like a pretty great dog. I adopted George from a shelter south of Emporia on November 6th and couldn't be happier. He is such a great little dog.
George brings even more joy into my life. There is nothing better than seeing a tail wagging when you get home from work every day. Dogs never fail you, they never judge you, they only know to love you. They even seem to forget that you've left them in their kennel all day, or all night. Forgiveness is immediate. I can't imagine how people couldn't be dog lovers. I can't imagine where they would get this feeling from! However, I am sure this all sounds strange to someone who is not a dog lover.
Cheesy or not, George has reminded me just how much I am capable of loving and just how big my heart can be. He brings pure joy and goodness into my life every single day. It brightens my day to see him run around in circles in excitement to see me, to see him zoom around the living room chasing himself, to throw his toys in the air, or to see him hop around outside in the snow. Although I have always loved dogs, to have George be my very own dog that I am his one "master" is a whole new feeling. After a long hard day he helps to keep things in perspective. Even after a great day he just makes it end perfectly. I love him so much and I can't even begin to imagine how much love will overflow from me if I am ever blessed with children of my own.
I'm sure it sounds crazy, he's just a dog after all!! If you are like me, though, I am sure you can understand. There is nothing like the unconditional love of a dog, especially your dog.
We long for an affection altogether ignorant of our faults. Heaven has accorded this to us in the uncritical canine attachment. ~George Eliot
Sunday, January 9, 2011
INFJ
I figured I should write my first blog describing the title.
I first took the Myers-Briggs Type Inventory in high school. I think I have taken it a total of 5 times since then. I believe I was first an INFP and switched to an INFJ. I have always enjoyed personality type tests because they give you some sort of insight into the differences that exist between people. Whether spot on or just partially insightful, I believe each test can help you grow. It is important to know yourself, but just as important to understand other personality types and how they connect with your own.
Go here to learn more about the MBTI: http://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/
INFJ = Introversion, INtuition, Feeling, Judging. I like the idea that this is the most rare type! I am strongly on the Introversion side of the scale, pretty far on the feeling side, and closer to the middle on the intuition and judging scales.
This description is pretty accurate.
"But the INFJ is as genuinely warm as they are complex. INFJs hold a special place in the heart of people who they are close to, who are able to see their special gifts and depth of caring. INFJs are concerned for people's feelings, and try to be gentle to avoid hurting anyone. They are very sensitive to conflict, and cannot tolerate it very well. Situations which are charged with conflict may drive the normally peaceful INFJ into a state of agitation or charged anger. They may tend to internalize conflict into their bodies, and experience health problems when under a lot of stress.
Because the INFJ has such strong intuitive capabilities, they trust their own instincts above all else. This may result in an INFJ stubborness and tendency to ignore other people's opinions. They believe that they're right. On the other hand, INFJ is a perfectionist who doubts that they are living up to their full potential. INFJs are rarely at complete peace with themselves - there's always something else they should be doing to improve themselves and the world around them. They believe in constant growth, and don't often take time to revel in their accomplishments. They have strong value systems, and need to live their lives in accordance with what they feel is right. In deference to the Feeling aspect of their personalities, INFJs are in some ways gentle and easy going. Conversely, they have very high expectations of themselves, and frequently of their families. They don't believe in compromising their ideals."
- http://www.personalitypage.com/html/INFJ.html
Some of my favorite famous INFJs -
Mother Teresa
Marting Luther King Jr.
Billy Crystal
Nelson Mandela
Mel Gibson
Nicole Kidman
Jerry Seinfeld
Wikipedia never lets me down. Another good description:
"INFJs have a rich, vivid inner life, which they may be reluctant to share with those around them. Nevertheless, they are congenial in their interactions, and perceptive of the emotions of others. Generally well-liked by their peers, they may often be considered close friends and confidants by most other types. However, they are guarded in expressing their own feelings, especially to new people, and so tend to establish close relationships slowly. INFJs tend to be easily hurt, though they may not reveal this except to their closest companions. INFJs may "silently withdraw as a way of setting limits", rather than expressing their wounded feelings—a behavior that may leave others confused and upset."
Maybe this can help you to understand me a little better. If you know what you are leave me a comment! I think these descriptions can help us better understand each other and thus improve communications.
I first took the Myers-Briggs Type Inventory in high school. I think I have taken it a total of 5 times since then. I believe I was first an INFP and switched to an INFJ. I have always enjoyed personality type tests because they give you some sort of insight into the differences that exist between people. Whether spot on or just partially insightful, I believe each test can help you grow. It is important to know yourself, but just as important to understand other personality types and how they connect with your own.
Go here to learn more about the MBTI: http://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/
INFJ = Introversion, INtuition, Feeling, Judging. I like the idea that this is the most rare type! I am strongly on the Introversion side of the scale, pretty far on the feeling side, and closer to the middle on the intuition and judging scales.
This description is pretty accurate.
"But the INFJ is as genuinely warm as they are complex. INFJs hold a special place in the heart of people who they are close to, who are able to see their special gifts and depth of caring. INFJs are concerned for people's feelings, and try to be gentle to avoid hurting anyone. They are very sensitive to conflict, and cannot tolerate it very well. Situations which are charged with conflict may drive the normally peaceful INFJ into a state of agitation or charged anger. They may tend to internalize conflict into their bodies, and experience health problems when under a lot of stress.
Because the INFJ has such strong intuitive capabilities, they trust their own instincts above all else. This may result in an INFJ stubborness and tendency to ignore other people's opinions. They believe that they're right. On the other hand, INFJ is a perfectionist who doubts that they are living up to their full potential. INFJs are rarely at complete peace with themselves - there's always something else they should be doing to improve themselves and the world around them. They believe in constant growth, and don't often take time to revel in their accomplishments. They have strong value systems, and need to live their lives in accordance with what they feel is right. In deference to the Feeling aspect of their personalities, INFJs are in some ways gentle and easy going. Conversely, they have very high expectations of themselves, and frequently of their families. They don't believe in compromising their ideals."
- http://www.personalitypage.com/html/INFJ.html
Some of my favorite famous INFJs -
Mother Teresa
Marting Luther King Jr.
Billy Crystal
Nelson Mandela
Mel Gibson
Nicole Kidman
Jerry Seinfeld
Wikipedia never lets me down. Another good description:
"INFJs have a rich, vivid inner life, which they may be reluctant to share with those around them. Nevertheless, they are congenial in their interactions, and perceptive of the emotions of others. Generally well-liked by their peers, they may often be considered close friends and confidants by most other types. However, they are guarded in expressing their own feelings, especially to new people, and so tend to establish close relationships slowly. INFJs tend to be easily hurt, though they may not reveal this except to their closest companions. INFJs may "silently withdraw as a way of setting limits", rather than expressing their wounded feelings—a behavior that may leave others confused and upset."
Maybe this can help you to understand me a little better. If you know what you are leave me a comment! I think these descriptions can help us better understand each other and thus improve communications.
Welcome
Hi there!
I have been wanting to start another blog since I got back from Australia. That was July 2007. It is January 2010. So I thought it was about time! My goal is really just to have a place to jot some things down that run through my head all the time. Whether serious or silly, spontaneous or well thought out, I hope you enjoy learning and growing with me. Discussion will be encouraged!
Cheers to a new adventure!
I have been wanting to start another blog since I got back from Australia. That was July 2007. It is January 2010. So I thought it was about time! My goal is really just to have a place to jot some things down that run through my head all the time. Whether serious or silly, spontaneous or well thought out, I hope you enjoy learning and growing with me. Discussion will be encouraged!
Cheers to a new adventure!
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