Do not worry. (Part 1)

A couple of things have happened recently that brings me to this post.

Wednesday night our small group met. I think I told you that this is my first attempt at being part of a small group (women of faith who meet once a week). We're still getting to know each other and more and more I feel like this is the right step for me in my journey. We spent a few minutes talking about worry. This is something all of us struggle with at some point in our lives and sometimes on a daily basis.

My son recently moved back in with us (he's 25) and almost immediately I felt a tinge of worry creep into my thoughts. If you're a parent, worry is a constant battle -- especially if you have a teenager that drives.

My son "gave" me one of the worst experiences in my life about six to seven years ago. I won't go into all the details but he decided to drink (underage) while spending the day at our neighborhood pool. He proceeded to drive home through the neighborhood and ended up with his truck upside down in our neighborhood lake -- yes, I said LAKE! I should note, while this was occurring I was trying to reach him on his cell phone. I knew something was wrong and I was praying throughout my 30 minute drive home that everything would be alright. One of my worst fears had come true, but God was watching out for us. A man happened to be driving behind my son, saw the accident, jumped into the water and pulled my son to safety. I am so thankful that God was watching out for him and I carry this with me everyday.

So needless to say, when my son moved back in and I would be aware of his comings and goings -- which I was not looking forward to -- I prayed immediately. I pray every day and night that God keeps my son safe and to watch over him every second of his life.

I decided about ten years ago, that I would not waste my time on worry. God does not want you to worry. And worry will eat you alive. You can not change anything by worrying about it. If there is something that you can do, do it - and stop worrying about it. What's done is done and what will be will be.

Whenever I feel worry creeping in -- which it does -- I start to pray and God takes it away.

There are a few passages in the Bible that brings me comfort around this subject:

• Matthew 6:33-35: "But seek first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (This is from my Living Insights Bible, which I love and highly recommend).  
• 1 Peter 5:7: "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." (NLT) 
• Psalm 37:3-4: "Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Living Insights).

Let me know how you deal with worry and also if you have any favorite Bible verses that give you comfort. 

Non-stop learning.

Every day I devote about one to two hours of reading and learning for professional growth. I'm trying to keep fresh and current on new developments and what the experts are saying. Since I'm not in an office environment working with a team, I have to be more vigilant on my skills. They definitely dull without use.

I could probably spend all day every day reading about new developments, but if you can't apply them you don't really learn them. I take notes and hope to revisit them when I can use them - at least that's how I've learned most of my digital and social media knowledge over the years. It's really overwhelming if you don't take this in small doses. I've been following @ericpratum on twitter - and he is nonstop with the links for social and digital media. His links lead to more links, great blogs, etc. If I had a full time job, I could never keep up.

So how do you keep fresh in your profession? I think it's almost a full time job to stay current these days - at least in my profession and I would guess in others as well.

The Incredible Mind.

In the June 6, 2011 issue of Time Magazine, the cover story was "The Science of Optimism". It's pretty interesting and I can tell you its certainly true for me. 

About two weeks ago I wrote about not being happy to apply for jobs I didn't want - forced to in order to receive unemployment benefits. I'm still not "happy" about it because I don't believe that is where my calling is -- but God is directing my life not me. I'm going with the flow and trying to make the most of it. 

In the meantime, I've been searching through hundreds of jobs. I've found a few that sound interesting -- some downright fun sounding. So my mind has already adjusted to "liking" what I didn't like before (I have no other option). I'm no longer dreading applying for commercial positions. 

Has this happened to you? 

Tell me about your life situation when your mind had to change and adjust to something you didn't want in the first place, but now have accepted and happy about it. The mind is an incredible organ and designed for survival. 

Getting busy.

I hate housework. I hate dusting, mopping, vacuuming, cleaning bathrooms, everything! But sometimes that dust does get pretty noticeable and someone has to do it. I guess I'm lucky that my husband is the same way - no OCD in my household. But, I do think this is one of my faults. A maid would definitely help, but we let them go a year ago and I haven't looked for a replacement - and probably won't.

I have found that it does make you feel better. That sense of accomplishment, that physical activity, and of course a clean house for a while.

I think I need an endorphin rush - nothing beats physical activity to make you feel good (except maybe sunshine). My problem is getting motivated and I can come up with some good reasons not to clean. I've made my list of cleaning tasks - at least I'm organized!

Now to get started...

What's on your list of things you dislike doing or procrastinate about? What gives you a rush?

Know yourself.

"Make it your business to know yourself, which is the most difficult lesson in the world." - Miguel De Cervantes

Why a personal vision statement?

Months ago I discovered I had "lost my way" - I had spent so much time, energy, and focus on my job - that I neglected me. I made the mistake of pouring myself into my job and it defined me.

The job spiraled out of control. Lots of things contributed to this -- no solid infrastructure in place to handle new national accounts, lack of sufficient resource with skills to onboard accounts, new channels to integrate and learn, focus on growth and winning, and not enough band width to handle everything.

I did have a very supportive boss and mentor and I did have some talented team members -- but it wasn't enough. In the end, I was miserable and working way too much.

All that taught me was, I needed help. I needed time to rediscover me and put new focus to my life.

I started self reflection (which is ongoing). I came upon an article by Susan M. Healthfield, http://humanresources.about.com/od/success/a/personal_vision.htm. In this article she writes, "Your personal vision statement guides your life. ... provides direction necessary to guide the course of your days and the choices you make about your career. ... is the light shining in the darkness toward which you turn to find your way." Well, if anything -- I needed a personal vision statement.

Further down in the article, according to Brian Tracy, you generally accomplish your written goals, dreams, plans, and vision. Writing them down lends power and commitment.

I'm ready to accomplish mine -- as soon as I publish it. Stayed tuned!

Prep work for my vision statement.

I've been working/trying to formulate my personal vision statement for weeks. Here are a few items I needed to take inventory of and set goals:

Physical: to be healthy and active
Spiritual: to be closer to God and his direction
Work/Career: have a position of some prominence, a leader, member of a team, make a positive impact, be creative, have flexibility, and everyday enjoy what I do
Family: to be closer, do more together
Social relationships: have more friends
Financial security: make more money than I need, be debt free (except for a mortgage), be able to give generously and save for a retirement of leisure and no worries, have money to take several trips a year if I want to
Mental improvement and attention: continue to learn (professionally and personally), keep a sharp mind, have a good memory
Fun and travel: travel as much as I can, see the world, eat and drink good food and wine, enjoy the incredible beauty that's out there, read, listen to music and attend concerts, go to movies, and to always remember to enjoy the moment

What's on your list? Please share.