Last night I couldn't sleep. My mind was swarming with ideas for Circle's End. God has given me a new vision that is much bigger than the one I originally conceived. I was so excited by some of the things I saw that I was ready to contact a graphic designer this morning to get a quote for commissioning a logo design. I wanted to have something tangible to hold onto - something that would confirm that I have definitely made a breakthrough in my career.
This morning, I was nudged by the Spirit to Google "Circle's End." Wow...I didn't realize how unoriginal the name was. It is the name of a Harry Potter book, the name of a band, the name of a movie, the name of a farm, the name of a song, the name of a novel, the name of a video game...and that is most likely not an exhaustive list. Needless to say, I was taken a bit back. I think a new name will be necessary.
Despite that little hiccup, I am more excited than ever about my soon-to-be born organization. They say that everything happens in God's perfect timing, and I am starting to believe it more than ever. Last year, while in New York for a meeting, I attempted to write a business plan for the then-Circle's End. I was having so much trouble. Maybe it was the excess stress I was feeling from work. Maybe it was the post-partum depression that had its claws in me. Maybe it was simply not the time. In the next couple of weeks, I am going to tackle that business plan again - and I have a feeling it will all come together nicely.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Strengths Finder 2.0
One of my homework assignments to complete before my first coaching session was taking the online Strengths Finder assessment. The purpose of the evaluation is to identify the top five talents in one's life. The following were my results, along with a brief description of the talent.
1. Empathy - I can sense the feelings and emotions of the people around me and understand where they are coming from.
2. Input - I am inquisitive and collect things. Not only tangible objects, but also words, facts, quotations, and images.
3. Connectedness - I believe that all things happen for a reason. We are all connected and part of something greater than ourselves.
4. Adaptability - I live in the moment. I am flexible. I may have a plan, but I respond willingly to demands of the moment, even if I am pulled away from my plans.
5. Developer - I see the potential in others. Each person is a work in progress, and alive with possibilities.
I think that my results are pretty accurate. The only strength I briefly questioned was "Adaptability," mainly because I tend to resist sudden change. However, once I get over the initial shock and have a venting session, I usually do go with the flow and get the job done. I also see life as an adventure, and I don't necessarily need everything planned out. (Especially on vacations) I'd rather play things by ear. Keeping all that in mind, I can see why I may have gotten this result.
As I am getting a clearer picture of what Circle's End may ultimately look like, I can see how all of those strengths will fit in. It's quite exciting to see the puzzle pieces coming together!!
1. Empathy - I can sense the feelings and emotions of the people around me and understand where they are coming from.
2. Input - I am inquisitive and collect things. Not only tangible objects, but also words, facts, quotations, and images.
3. Connectedness - I believe that all things happen for a reason. We are all connected and part of something greater than ourselves.
4. Adaptability - I live in the moment. I am flexible. I may have a plan, but I respond willingly to demands of the moment, even if I am pulled away from my plans.
5. Developer - I see the potential in others. Each person is a work in progress, and alive with possibilities.
I think that my results are pretty accurate. The only strength I briefly questioned was "Adaptability," mainly because I tend to resist sudden change. However, once I get over the initial shock and have a venting session, I usually do go with the flow and get the job done. I also see life as an adventure, and I don't necessarily need everything planned out. (Especially on vacations) I'd rather play things by ear. Keeping all that in mind, I can see why I may have gotten this result.
As I am getting a clearer picture of what Circle's End may ultimately look like, I can see how all of those strengths will fit in. It's quite exciting to see the puzzle pieces coming together!!
Book Review: Same Life, New Story
Perhaps it's because of where I am on my life's journey, but I loved this book! It was so inspirational! Jan Silvious encourages all women – no matter where they are along the age spectrum – that they can change their lives simply by changing their perspective. Using the Biblical stories of Naomi, Leah, Rahab, Deborah, Hannah, Anna, Jehosheba, Abigail, Naaman’s servant girl, and Elizabeth, along with the personal experiences of modern-day women, Silvious shows us that we can either perish or flourish simply by the way we think about difficult situations. Everyone will face trials in their lives, but as Christian women, we can take heart knowing that God is the author of our lives, He sees the big picture, and He has plans to prosper us. This compelling Bible Study includes questions for personal reflection, journal prompts, and questions for small-group discussion. After completing the entire study, I am excited to start living my new story. I am ready to step out in faith and say “yes” to God’s ultimate plan for my life. I recommend this book to any woman who is going through a tough time. You may be surprised at how motivating it truly is.Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the publisher's BookSneeze program in exchange for my honest review.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Random Ramblings
These are the thoughts running through my head today:
~ When I left work last night, the sky was such a beautiful shade of blue-black. This morning as I drove into work, the sky was a lovely shade of bright blue. I praised God for His beautiful creation, and it got me thinking about heaven. I imagine it is way more beautiful than we can even imagine and filled with all kinds of gorgeous, radiant colors – ones we’ve never even seen.
~ On the suggestion of a Blogger friend, I signed up for life coaching with Joel Boggess at 4 Points Coaching. My first session is on February 9th. Honestly, I’m having a bit of buyer’s remorse (we simply can't afford it, and I feel guilty about adding to our debt), but it’s too late to turn back now. I have completed my first online assessment. My personality and career style is Advocate. I wanted to cry a bit when the first career match for me was “Administration.” “Secretary” was on the list, too. Thank goodness that “wellness/nutrition consultant” and “massage therapist” were matches for me, as well. Otherwise I might have had a slight panic attack!
~ Harry and I had a wonderful conversation last night. It began with me telling him about my assessment. He probed me with the question: “Well, what happens when you come to the end of your coaching sessions and you realize you’re exactly in the career where you’re supposed to be?” It was a good question to ponder, but if I was created for this career, why am I so unsatisfied? Why do I dread coming to work each day? Why do I feel like my life’s calling is still out there, waiting to be tapped into? Anyway, for the first time in a long time, I feel like he was listening to me - this time without judgment. And he even thanked me for working so hard every day and contributing to the family and keeping up the house and being a great wife and mother. He also reminded me that I can and do serve every day. My mom needs me. My grandma needs me. Damian needs me. Bianca needs me. He needs me. I felt so loved and appreciated. And it made me connect to my husband so much more. It's a great feeling simply knowing that you were heard.
~ I had a wonderful conversation with a co-worker yesterday that made me feel so inspired. We talked about God and our careers and our passions. No conclusions were made, but I felt renewed. I truly felt parts of my spirit wake up. I'm tired of feeling stuck. I am ready for a Breakthrough in my career. I'm hoping Joel will help me form a solid action plan on how to get there.
~ As you may recall, I was offered and turned down the position for VTEU Coordinator at my school. Today, I am having lunch with the girl who ultimately took the job. Turns out, we went to the same high school. She was in my sister’s class. Such a small world! I'm excited to get to know her better.
~ Steph and I are beginning to plan our next Girls’ Day. We are heading to Boston for a weekend in June. I am quite giddy about it! I find myself smiling and giggling every time I think about it. I can't wait to go on this adventure with my BFF!
~ Next weekend is Harry’s birthday. The two of us are going to Delaware Park for the day. I really want to buy a nice outfit for the occasion. He deserves to have a well-dressed wife by his side, and my clothes are so plain and frumpy. Perhaps I can leave work early tomorrow and do just that.
~ I also start volunteering on the Hospitality Team at church next weekend. Yay!!
~ My neck and shoulders are very sore this morning. I wonder if I slept in a weird position. I am craving a warm massage.
~ I am also craving a mocha. I have been dreaming about one since 7:50 this morning, when I passed the sweet aroma of the coffee cart. But I have gained so much weight lately. I simply cannot give into the temptation of those excessive calories.
~ In general, I have been feeling so much better lately. Using the analogy Steph gave me, I no longer feel like I’m sitting at the bottom of the pit, but steadily climbing my way out. God is so good!!
~ When I left work last night, the sky was such a beautiful shade of blue-black. This morning as I drove into work, the sky was a lovely shade of bright blue. I praised God for His beautiful creation, and it got me thinking about heaven. I imagine it is way more beautiful than we can even imagine and filled with all kinds of gorgeous, radiant colors – ones we’ve never even seen.
~ On the suggestion of a Blogger friend, I signed up for life coaching with Joel Boggess at 4 Points Coaching. My first session is on February 9th. Honestly, I’m having a bit of buyer’s remorse (we simply can't afford it, and I feel guilty about adding to our debt), but it’s too late to turn back now. I have completed my first online assessment. My personality and career style is Advocate. I wanted to cry a bit when the first career match for me was “Administration.” “Secretary” was on the list, too. Thank goodness that “wellness/nutrition consultant” and “massage therapist” were matches for me, as well. Otherwise I might have had a slight panic attack!
~ Harry and I had a wonderful conversation last night. It began with me telling him about my assessment. He probed me with the question: “Well, what happens when you come to the end of your coaching sessions and you realize you’re exactly in the career where you’re supposed to be?” It was a good question to ponder, but if I was created for this career, why am I so unsatisfied? Why do I dread coming to work each day? Why do I feel like my life’s calling is still out there, waiting to be tapped into? Anyway, for the first time in a long time, I feel like he was listening to me - this time without judgment. And he even thanked me for working so hard every day and contributing to the family and keeping up the house and being a great wife and mother. He also reminded me that I can and do serve every day. My mom needs me. My grandma needs me. Damian needs me. Bianca needs me. He needs me. I felt so loved and appreciated. And it made me connect to my husband so much more. It's a great feeling simply knowing that you were heard.
~ I had a wonderful conversation with a co-worker yesterday that made me feel so inspired. We talked about God and our careers and our passions. No conclusions were made, but I felt renewed. I truly felt parts of my spirit wake up. I'm tired of feeling stuck. I am ready for a Breakthrough in my career. I'm hoping Joel will help me form a solid action plan on how to get there.
~ As you may recall, I was offered and turned down the position for VTEU Coordinator at my school. Today, I am having lunch with the girl who ultimately took the job. Turns out, we went to the same high school. She was in my sister’s class. Such a small world! I'm excited to get to know her better.
~ Steph and I are beginning to plan our next Girls’ Day. We are heading to Boston for a weekend in June. I am quite giddy about it! I find myself smiling and giggling every time I think about it. I can't wait to go on this adventure with my BFF!
~ Next weekend is Harry’s birthday. The two of us are going to Delaware Park for the day. I really want to buy a nice outfit for the occasion. He deserves to have a well-dressed wife by his side, and my clothes are so plain and frumpy. Perhaps I can leave work early tomorrow and do just that.
~ I also start volunteering on the Hospitality Team at church next weekend. Yay!!
~ My neck and shoulders are very sore this morning. I wonder if I slept in a weird position. I am craving a warm massage.
~ I am also craving a mocha. I have been dreaming about one since 7:50 this morning, when I passed the sweet aroma of the coffee cart. But I have gained so much weight lately. I simply cannot give into the temptation of those excessive calories.
~ In general, I have been feeling so much better lately. Using the analogy Steph gave me, I no longer feel like I’m sitting at the bottom of the pit, but steadily climbing my way out. God is so good!!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Groundhog Day
Apparently, Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow this morning. Hurray for an early spring!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)