This week was extremely busy between work, writing, studying, and beginning to plan my goals for 2012. It was so busy that I fell asleep trying to write my Thursday post on Wednesday night, and my post for today on Thursday night. Yet another reason to get ahead of the game, which is a work in progress.
Even as I sit here free writing, my mind is all over the place — partially because I just woke up. The thing is, this has nothing to do with stress about my job or a series of unfortunate occurrences. It’s all because of good things that happened to me this week. I’ve landed a mentor, received a call or email regarding three new incredible opportunities, watched a post on cover letters become the most successful post I’ve ever put on TRSJ, wrote a new post for UPTOWN in 20 minutes, and have started to work on where I want my writing to lead me. I even managed to collaborate on a project with someone I usually dread because of their communication style, and things went smoothly. Things have been going really well. The weather’s gotten colder, but my spirit has gotten warmer. I couldn’t be more thankful.
My mentor said something to me that really put things in perspective. Without going into too much detail, I’ll just say that the idea of “do you” has a completely new and game-changing meaning now. It doesn’t involve selfishness or competition. It means staying true to who you are and not trying to reach the largest audience (not just online, but in life in general). It’s about focusing on reaching the right people. It’s about knowing your end goal and mapping out all the necessary steps to get there and not letting anyone sway you off course. So I’ll be thinking about this over the next couple weeks. These won’t be resolutions that fall off by the end of January. I can promise you that.
I had an amazing week and I’m looking forward to what’s to come. How about you? Can you identify one good thing — no matter how small — that happened or that you’re thankful for? Overcome any obstacles? Have you started working on your goals for 2012? Let me know in the comments!
My signature is still in bed,
Slim
I had a pretty awesome week. Got my first real estate contract signed and my jewelry sales are taking off! It’s a great way to start the end of the year!
Sheet, it’s a great way to start the new year!
glad to hear that you landed that mentor. they’re a great assest to have at your disposal. also, there’s nothing wrong with having more than one. i have a couple.
this week i’ve been favored and very motivated. it was a good week in lab. great data. i started reading a new book called in pursuit of purpose written by the pastor of my former church home dr. joseph w walker iii (roo). its short so i’ll probably finish it today or tomorrow but its been a great read.
ready to tackle the rest of 2011 and set my sights for 2012.
My year has not been all that I wanted but i am blessed i made it. i finally made the decision to go back to pursue my Master’s as a Psychiatric nurse practitioner. I start Jan 18! i would also like to say that the direction you are going in is nothing but amazing. Encouraging other people is a gift that you have, I expect nothing but great things for you in 2012.
Glad to hear you’ll be pursuing the masters! Also appreciate the comment in general. You’ve been following along for a while and it is not forgotten.
I got to hang out with my mentor, my godsister received a full ride Posse scholarship to college and one of my mentees told me how for her college essay she wrote how she grew from me pushing her to step outside her comfort zone
Been a good week and I’m grateful!
I started a new job this week. I’m getting to do something that I’m passionate about and I get to work with incredibly intelligent and passionate people.
Now that I have this part together, 2012 is going to be about nurturing some of the relationships I have with family, friends, and mentors. I’m excited!
Also, glad things are going well for you Slim! I’ve really been enjoying your writing lately.
Hooray for new job that you’re passionate about! Also like what you have in mind for 2012. Those things are on my list too.
i turned in my Graduation Application and my application for my first gallery show. This week has been amazing. I’ve had many epiphanies and I even told someone I’ve loved them for 2 years but never said anything until now. I’m feeling high and excited about things to come in the next year.
I’ve been volunteering at a middle school with the entire 6th grade and this was my last week. I cried today as the 6th grade teachers showed me so much appreciation for everything I’ve done for them over the last few months.
I wasn’t expecting anything but some “thank you’s, and “I’m really going to miss you’s”. I got a bit more than that. All of them want me to keep in touch, they didn’t want me to go and they gave me a going away present that IMMEDIATELY brought tears to my eyes. TOTALLY unexpected but VERY much appreciated.
As I was preparing to leave today my mother met me and informed me that my great-grandmother passed away this morning. I’ve been crying off and on ever since
Sorry to hear the news about the great-grandmother. Sounds like you had a rollercoaster of an emotional day. Take some time to mourn and reflect, then spend time around your peoples. Us introvert folks have a way of doing that.
I had an interesting revelation this week. I try very hard to be “normal” and not “overwhelming”, but sometimes I have to be me. On my blog I realize I’m a lot emotional, a lot avant-noire… but that’s ok because that’s the whole reason I started writing. So I need to just “do me” lol.
I got some good news today, even though I’ve been feeling under-appreciated/valued at work, I found out that I’m up for a (financial) recognition award. It reminded me that in the 4 years I’ve been here I’ve been recognized 3 times, and that’s pretty awesome.
I also realized that I need a clearer direction for what I want to do with my life, which I plan to map out over the holiday.
I second the appreciation of your new style, I think you shine well in this motivational writing facet.
We started up on some gingerbread houses today. My son has been talking about doing it all week. It was fun and we have to finish them tomorrow. One day he isn’t going to want to hang out and do these little things with his mom so I’m glad he still does now. *mom tear*
This week was rough but EXTREMELY fulfilling! Wrote my 2nd to last set of finals as a college student. Submitted applications for graduate programs and started on my 2012 vision board! All in all a great week!
Would be curious to know how you’re approaching the vision board. I’ve seen/heard a few ideas and plan to talk about it on the site down the road.
Set up meetings with my mentor to go through my 2012 plan..that should be interesting. She’s an amazing woman who not only helps me with career but also in faith.
Reconnected with a great friend..you know how you talk online all the time (he lives a continent away) and when you meet up you wonder if you really did grow…well, we really did grow. Loving having him around, he’s one man who will definitely change the world.
And still loving my job…landed a major deal last week…not too shabby for a lady who’s been there only a month
And true about the ‘do you’ statement. Will be doing my vision board this weekend (a bit daunting though. I mean, I know all that I’d love to achieve in 2012 but writing it down makes it real and once it’s real then I have to do it…sigh)
All the best Slim..
Just read this comment again and realized I made no progress on the vision board.lol. Ehh, I still got time.
I’m actually excited and looking forward to spending this Saturday evening at church. Its been a minute since I’ve been to church on a day other than Sunday (weddings and funerals excluded of course). It’s a small step on this lifelong journey that signifies such a huge change in me.
I’ve been out of work since September. I’ve been on three interviews with no success. I finally got a call back from a job that I really want, the interview is January 4. Imma knock it out of the box.
My relationship has been shaky and might don’t make it, but I am ok with it if it doesn’t work. I couldn’t say that a month ago, so that’s growth?
And yes, 2012 is “do you” year. I’m doing what makes me happy, what pushes me out of my comfort zone and will work on ME.
I’m also going to go back to church. I forget that God loves me as I am, warts and all. If I can’t go to Him during the bad times, when CAN I go to Him?