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Tips for Creating a Joy Filled Life October 2011

S.T.A.N.D. (Simply Take A Natural Direction)

Don't let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something

stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway;

we might as well put that passing time to the best possible use.

~ Earl Nightingale

Take a Risk!

Do something new, outrageous, unexpected. Shake things up! Put aside your fear of how others will respond. Risk being noticed, because those who advance in life are those who are noticed.

Early in my own life, I sometimes found it difficult to take risks and stand up for myself. I was taught at a young age to accept others, and taking a stand seemed akin to being obstinate or confrontational. While this early lesson in acceptance helped me to develop a compassionate heart and understanding for others, there were times when I could and should have spoken up - either on my own behalf or another's - but didn't as it felt too risky.

Today I consider myself a cultivated risk-taker; that is, though not born with a natural inclination toward risk, I've make a conscious choice in adulthood to learn how to embrace it . With age and maturity came the realization that, as Will Rogers once said, "Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there." And so I began to learn how to both take risks and take a stand when required.

In the years since, I've taken my share of personal and professional risks and, yes, experienced the pitfalls; yet I've also experienced rewards beyond my imagination - rewards that would not have come without my willingness to put everything on the line, set my sites, take aim and risk!

Need inspiration to start taking your own risks? Visit the Advanced Riskology website.

Take a Stand!

The late Peter Marshall (1902-1949), chaplain of the US Senate, once said, "Give to us clear vision that we may know where to stand and what to stand for - because unless we stand for something, we shall fall for anything." It takes belief in a cause or injustice combined with courage, passion, persistence and boldness to take a stand. When you take a stand - you will find others who stand with you.

I was once involved with a writing group in which members would gather to provide one another support and constructive critiques as each of us honed our writing. One day I received an email message. It was a writing critique directed at one group member, although copied to the entire list of writers from the group. The e-mail started off with "This story SUCKS." It went downhill from there.

While I do believe in honest feedback, this email was not only unproductive but cruel and uncalled for. I firmly believe that anyone who is willing to risk sharing personal creative expression - be it writing, music, art, a work project, or simply an idea - deserves respect for their courage in making themselves vulnerable and available. And so I immediately sent an e-mail in response stating that this type of feedback is cruel and uncalled for. While I anticipated a poor reaction to my response by the sender of the original email, I nonetheless took a stand. It felt good and right, and I found that others stood with me.

What do you stand for?