• The Complexities of Life

    Live Today

    The Recovering Pessimist: Live Today

    I’ve been dealing with a very stressful situation for a few months. Anxiety left my stomach in knots worrying about all the “what if” possibilities. Oh and sleeping? Practically non-existent.

    When I’m in the middle of a shit storm, the Universe will always send me a sign that things aren’t as bad as you think they are. This time was no different.

    One morning, my sister sent me a text consisting of two words:

    Live Today

    While the text was short, those two words meant the world to me at that moment. Sometimes, we get so caught up in our shit we forget day turns to night. That text was a reminder for me to get out of my head, inhale deeply, and slowly exhale.

    Repeat as needed.

     

     

     

     

     

  • The Complexities of Life

    Who’s Gonna Save YOU?

     

    The Recovering Pessimist: Who's Gonna Save YOU?On Season 4, Episode 10 of  “Scandal“, Olivia (played by Kerry Washington) is in some unknown location after being kidnapped in the previous episode. Despite being held against her will, she still manages to attempt to “fix” the person that’s in the same cell that she is in. Later in the episode, she’s dreaming that Jake (played by Scott Foley) saves her when in reality, she realizes that despite being able to save others, she’s going to have to save herself if she wants to get away from her kidnappers.

    As I watched the episode, I got inspired. Back in the day, I couldn’t stand to see the people in my life suffer. I would do whatever I could to save them (sometimes to my detriment) because that’s what I was taught.

    But see, the problem with saving everyone else is that there’s no guarantee that somebody is going to be there to save you. I would reach out to people, including those I had previously saved, just to be let down. I don’t expect folks to come to my aid, however, when it’s the person who previously helped you asking for help, you need to help them. Pay it forward, you know?

    My mother always says that you find out who people really are when you ask them for help. I didn’t understand what she meant until it happened to me. As usual, she was right. Yet another painful lesson I had to learn.

     

     

  • The Complexities of Life

    Caution: We’re All Works in Progress

    Allow me to set the scene. The Recovering Pessimist:- Caution: We're All Works in ProgressYou’re out and about when s someone catches your eye. Nerves are brushed aside as the two of you have a brief conversation. Phone numbers (and possibly social media handles) are exchanged. Hours are spent texting, calling, emailing, and/or posting social media updates. You really, really like this person.

    In theory, this sounds great. Seriously, who doesn’t want to find that person that tickles your fancy? I honestly can’t think of anyone that doesn’t. However, like some theories, there’s a problem with the execution. In this case, said problem began weeks ago.

    The person that you’re attracted to is working towards accomplishing something (entrepreneur, college graduate, etc). But you don’t see them for the person they are now. Instead, you’re attracted to the person that they’re trying to become.

    I’ve seen this happen too many times. People will get with folks for the end goal, whatever that may be. They’ll stay around provided that the person of interest becomes the person their working towards. In the even that said person of interest doesn’t become that person, suddenly he/she isn’t as attractive as they once were.

    We’re all works in progress, every last one of us, including you. Solely seeing someone for their potential won’t end well, I promise you.

     

    Updated March 6, 2015

  • The Complexities of Life

    Pep Talk to Self #1

    The Recovering Pessimist: Pep Talk #1Recently, I got incredibly overwhelmed with a task that was time-sensitive. After several hours of anxiety and stress, I gave myself a pep talk. The following is a snippet of what I said to myself.

    This is due in 21 days. And it’s 15 pages long. Plus I need to provide documentation. That’s a lot of paper. I have to mail this?? Postage is going to be a sonofabitch. I can’t wait for this to be over. When am I going to get this shit done?? stares at pile of documentation I’m going to need black printer ink. I need a drink and by drink I mean whiskey. looks at clock It’s only 9 in the morning. Oh well, it’s 5 p.m. somewhere right? Ink is going to cost about $30 unless I can price match it. I would buy a printer with expensive ink. 

    screams

    Stop bitching. It has to be done. looks at calendar I have time to get this done. Don’t want to wait until the last minute. What can I knock out first? Perhaps I should write down all the things I need to do to get this done and only do one task a day. pats self on back Smart idea and I can maintain my sanity. You’re so smart.

    It’s amazing how clear my mind was after I had that pep talk with myself. Whatever it takes for you to get it done, DO IT! I don’t care how absolutely ridiculous it may look and/or feel.

  • The Complexities of Life

    Random Thought #10: Self-Support

    The Recovering Pessimist: Random Thought 10: Self SupportI’ve been sharing my dreams of self-employment with the important people in my life. Each time I tell them I’m tired of making other people rich, they question how I plan on making my dreams happen. I share my ideas with them and they’re so, so quick to dismiss me.

    What about retirement?

    What about health care?

    Will you make enough money to pay your bills?

    It’s frustrating to hear these questions over and over, as if I haven’t already considered the answers. I don’t think that people realize that by asking their questions, they’re inadvertently projecting their fears onto me. It reminds me of the old saying “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”

    Newsflash, I have fears. I don’t need you to ask me about what I already know. I promise you I didn’t just wake up one day and decide I’m going to quit my job. I’m still planning my moves, but understand that I’m motivated enough to take the risks to make my dreams come true. This cubicle life that so many deem secure is not the life for me.

    Having a support system is great. I just wish people understood that they don’t have to understand my dreams in order to support them. I understand their concerns, however, I don’t want to encounter a barrage of questions. If they don’t believe me, great. I thoroughly enjoy proving the doubters wrong.

    Don’t believe me? Just watch.

     

     

     

  • The Complexities of Life

    The (Ir)Regular Cadence of Life

    MY normal YOUR normal

    When I was in middle school, I played the clarinet in concert band.  My music teacher taught us so much about musical concepts. She also stressed that several music concepts are applicable outside of the classroom.

    Cadence is one of those applicable concepts. Our lives are comprised of cadences. There are times when the rhythms are up and times when the rhythms are down.

    These rhythms also vary from person to person. No two people are the same, and what I consider normal isn’t considered normal to you. There’s no need to compare yourself to others.

    What music class taught me was that while we are part of the band, we are individuals first. That’s the beauty of life. Each of us contribute something to the world. If all of our cadences were the same, just imagine how terribly boring the world would be.

    I cringe at the thought of it.

  • The Complexities of Life

    It’s Okay To Tap Out, I Promise

    http://gty.im/470894765

    A couple of months ago, I was chatting with my sister about the upcoming add/drop deadline for her nursing classes. During the conversation, she told me that one of her professors spoke to the class about low test scores. The professor explained to the class that she wouldn’t view the students as failures if they withdrew now and returned to the program when they were ready.

    In the past, when I realized that I should bow out of a situation, pride got in the way. It took a lot of failures, before it became a lesson learned. Now that I know better, I reassure myself by saying:

    It’s okay to tap out, I promise.

    There’s nothing wrong with tapping out. When you’re ready, reevaluate the situation with a clear mind.

    Have you found yourself needing to tap out? Let’s discuss in the comments.

     

     

  • The Complexities of Life

    Letting Go in 2015

    Fed Up

    In the midst of planning for 2015, I came across a suggestion that people should have a theme for the year. A short word/phrase that keeps you motivated and on task for the entire year. I made a note to think about a theme for 2015 and continued with my day.

    As always, inspiration hits me in the oddest of places. While washing my hands, my subconscious whispered in my ear…

    …LET THAT SHIT GO!

    There was my theme for 2015. Brilliant!

    For me to accomplish all the things in my mind map, I have to let go of whatever doesn’t do the following:

    • Make me happy.
    • Contribute to my goals/wants.
    • Support my values.

    Have you considered creating a theme for 2015? If so, what is it? Let’s discuss in the comments!

     

     

  • Blogging,  The Complexities of Life

    I Brought A Day Designer!!

    Before I begin this post, I would like to thank my awesome friend Amber over at Climb Out of The Cubicle. Not only is she awesome, but she inspired this post. 

    This isn’t exactly news breaking information for most, but it is for me. With 2015 just over the horizon, I realized that in order for me to carry out my goals, organization is imperative. Here’s how the purchase of my Day Designer happened.

    Back Story

    Currently, I use an academic planner to organize my blog. It’s so ineffective. In September, I started checking brick and mortar stores for 2015 planners. Many of the planners I saw were hideous (e.g., too many colors, poorly designed, etc).

    After buying and returning several 2015 planners, I realized that what I needed wasn’t sold in stores. Here’s where Amber comes into play.

    I remember explaining my frustration to her and she suggested that I consider getting a Day Designer. I went to the website and impressed by how beautiful and functional the planner was. I was ready to purchase, but I couldn’t get past…

    …The Price 

    I’m a frugal girl. I had to come to terms with paying $59 for the planner (via the Etsy store). Then I realized shipping was going to cost me $13 (I’m in Richmond, VA) and I refusedto proceed with purchasing. After spending a few hours researching online retailers, I finally found the planner for $60 and free shipping at The Grommet. The planner arrived within 3 business days from PA.

    Behold the Awesomeness!

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    A few observations about the Day Designer:

    • The planners are sophisticated cute. The cover (regardless of the design), provides just enough color. The pink ribbon doubles as a bookmark.
    • Worksheets are included in the front of the planner to help organize your core, which assists with focusing on your purpose and vision.
    • Each tabbed month is attached to a notes page, which provides plenty of writing space on both sides.
    • Monthly calendars are dated, however, holidays are not noted. A monthly to-do list is on the left and a space at the top of the calendar is available for you to list your goals for the month.
    • Each day has its own page, with the exception of weekends, which share one page. Daily and weekend schedules are listed from 5-9. The schedules don’t indicate if this is a.m. or p.m., so this omission works perfectly for those who work from night to day.
    • I love that at the end of the day, I can list what I’m grateful for. Perfect way to end each day.

    Conclusion

    This is an investment. If you’re looking for something that allows you to organize your life AND keep you focused on your ultimate goals, the Day Designer is worth considering. You can test it out by downloading a free daily planner page.

    Now, back to planning 2015 while I chat with Amber:)

    MsWalton

  • The Complexities of Life

    What I’m Thankful for in 2014

    Embed from Getty Images

    With the new year approaching, I wanted to reflect on what I’m thankful for in 2014. (Disclaimer: These are not in order of importance.)

    1. The lessons (good and bad) I’ve learned throughout the year.
    2. Becoming friends with Amber:)
    3. Getting hosting for this blog.
    4. Finally getting fed up enough to make things happen.
    5. My health.

    6. My sanity.

    What are you thankful for this year? Leave a comment so we can discuss.