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GET A LIFE 101
Posted by Unknown
on
8:46 PM
These days it is easy to fall into the habit of going to work, coming home and melting into your couch while the TV steals your evening hours. Sometimes it feels like your job provides most of your human interaction. Connecting with other people can be effortless for some and daunting for others. Was one of your resolutions to get out of the house more or meet new people? Since you started reading, do you recognize yourself? Don’t be alarmed, we all find ourselves in that place at one time or another.
The desire to exhibit hermit behavior can be brought on by moving to a new place where you don’t know many people. Or, you and your friends aren’t as close as you used to be so your hanging partner isn’t available to hang anymore. Maybe your interests are changing and it is time expand your circle of friends. Also, you could feel unsatisfied and want a change. We have to be human not rationale.
I have learned the hard way that you can not accomplish much without a game plan. Are you ready to be a participant in your life as opposed to a spectator of someone else’s? Here are a few tips to get you started on a plan:
Rediscover yourself. While you’re sitting on the couch vegetating, grab a piece of paper and pen. During the commercial breaks, because I know you don’t want to miss any of the show, write down a few of your interests. If you are only interested in sleeping, watching TV and staying at home, write down 5 things you always wanted to do. Join a book club. Take a cooking class. Volunteer at senior citizens home. What about those piano lessons you always wanted to take? Those are a few examples of things that you can do. I am sure if you think about it, you could come up with some activities that are a perfect fit for you. If you never wanted to do anything than you should consider activities that may make you more marketable at your job. In the process of learning and/or participating in a new activity you may be able to develop skills that can earn you a raise or a promotion. You never know what is waiting for you when you enter a room you have never been in before.
Get out of your comfort zone. Now that you have on paper a few things that you are either interested in or always wanted to do pick one and do it. I say start with number one! A few places to look for clubs, classes or groups to join are: The Public Library, Workplace bulletin boards, Local newspapers, Community Centers, Community colleges and even churches offer classes! Now that you know what you want to do. You know where to find the activity, go sign up. Instead of going straight home, take a detour. Sure you might miss the King of Queens but it was a repeat anyway.
Make eye contact, smile and speak. A big part of getting a life is being open to new experiences and meeting new people. Every day, whether you are trying a new activity, or following your usual home to work and work to home routine, you should make eye contact, smile and speak to people. You may have been riding the elevator every day with a person that could be one of your dearest friends and didn’t know it. Or, the lady that always rides the train with you in the morning and evening could be your new movie buddy. So, every day make eye contact, smile and say, “Hello”. You never know from where your next blessing is coming. If you are not open to someone or something new, you can not receive.
Look good, so you feel good. It is easier to make eye contact and smile you feel good about how you look. For some people it is as easy putting on eyeliner and lipstick before they leave the house in the morning. Or pulling your hair back instead of wearing the same way. Before you dose off on the couch pick out 2 possible outfits for the next day. In the morning, if you don’t feel like wearing one, you can put on the other. If you don’t like either you can mix and match the pieces. Any way you slice it or dice it you will have choices. Having options is one of the most empowering feelings in the world, even if it is just your clothing. Feeling less limits in one area of your life can give you the confidence to tackle other areas where you may feel restricted or powerless.
Get into action. Now that you are off of the couch, looking and feeling good and being more open to new experiences here are a few more ideas to keep the momentum going: Go see a play. Live performances can be more exciting than TV. Check out your favorite Comedienne at a comedy club near you. You may discover a new talent that is on the verge of being the next big thing. Try cultural and free events. Many museums and galleries do late viewings which is a great opportunity to meet people. Don’t forget that learning can be fun. By taking a class or attending a seminar you may discover that you have a hidden talent.
I want to give you two things to think about: (1)"If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we aren't really living." (Gail Sheehy) and "Eighty percent of success is showing up?" (Woody Allen). So, show up and I am sure that you will be successful at getting a life.
Quote of the Day
"If you want to take your mission in life to the next level, if you're stuck and you don't know how to rise, don't look outside yourself. Look inside. Don't let your fears keep you mired in the crowd. Abolish your fears and raise your commitment level to the point of no return, and I guarantee you that the Champion Within will burst forth to propel you toward victory."
~ Bruce Jenner
K.M. Abney has been a featured writer on the web. She is a member of the Black Writers Guild and Toastmasters. She loves feedback and can be contacted at kenmoab1@verizon.net.
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The desire to exhibit hermit behavior can be brought on by moving to a new place where you don’t know many people. Or, you and your friends aren’t as close as you used to be so your hanging partner isn’t available to hang anymore. Maybe your interests are changing and it is time expand your circle of friends. Also, you could feel unsatisfied and want a change. We have to be human not rationale.
I have learned the hard way that you can not accomplish much without a game plan. Are you ready to be a participant in your life as opposed to a spectator of someone else’s? Here are a few tips to get you started on a plan:
Rediscover yourself. While you’re sitting on the couch vegetating, grab a piece of paper and pen. During the commercial breaks, because I know you don’t want to miss any of the show, write down a few of your interests. If you are only interested in sleeping, watching TV and staying at home, write down 5 things you always wanted to do. Join a book club. Take a cooking class. Volunteer at senior citizens home. What about those piano lessons you always wanted to take? Those are a few examples of things that you can do. I am sure if you think about it, you could come up with some activities that are a perfect fit for you. If you never wanted to do anything than you should consider activities that may make you more marketable at your job. In the process of learning and/or participating in a new activity you may be able to develop skills that can earn you a raise or a promotion. You never know what is waiting for you when you enter a room you have never been in before.
Get out of your comfort zone. Now that you have on paper a few things that you are either interested in or always wanted to do pick one and do it. I say start with number one! A few places to look for clubs, classes or groups to join are: The Public Library, Workplace bulletin boards, Local newspapers, Community Centers, Community colleges and even churches offer classes! Now that you know what you want to do. You know where to find the activity, go sign up. Instead of going straight home, take a detour. Sure you might miss the King of Queens but it was a repeat anyway.
Make eye contact, smile and speak. A big part of getting a life is being open to new experiences and meeting new people. Every day, whether you are trying a new activity, or following your usual home to work and work to home routine, you should make eye contact, smile and speak to people. You may have been riding the elevator every day with a person that could be one of your dearest friends and didn’t know it. Or, the lady that always rides the train with you in the morning and evening could be your new movie buddy. So, every day make eye contact, smile and say, “Hello”. You never know from where your next blessing is coming. If you are not open to someone or something new, you can not receive.
Look good, so you feel good. It is easier to make eye contact and smile you feel good about how you look. For some people it is as easy putting on eyeliner and lipstick before they leave the house in the morning. Or pulling your hair back instead of wearing the same way. Before you dose off on the couch pick out 2 possible outfits for the next day. In the morning, if you don’t feel like wearing one, you can put on the other. If you don’t like either you can mix and match the pieces. Any way you slice it or dice it you will have choices. Having options is one of the most empowering feelings in the world, even if it is just your clothing. Feeling less limits in one area of your life can give you the confidence to tackle other areas where you may feel restricted or powerless.
Get into action. Now that you are off of the couch, looking and feeling good and being more open to new experiences here are a few more ideas to keep the momentum going: Go see a play. Live performances can be more exciting than TV. Check out your favorite Comedienne at a comedy club near you. You may discover a new talent that is on the verge of being the next big thing. Try cultural and free events. Many museums and galleries do late viewings which is a great opportunity to meet people. Don’t forget that learning can be fun. By taking a class or attending a seminar you may discover that you have a hidden talent.
I want to give you two things to think about: (1)"If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we aren't really living." (Gail Sheehy) and "Eighty percent of success is showing up?" (Woody Allen). So, show up and I am sure that you will be successful at getting a life.
Quote of the Day
"If you want to take your mission in life to the next level, if you're stuck and you don't know how to rise, don't look outside yourself. Look inside. Don't let your fears keep you mired in the crowd. Abolish your fears and raise your commitment level to the point of no return, and I guarantee you that the Champion Within will burst forth to propel you toward victory."
~ Bruce Jenner
K.M. Abney has been a featured writer on the web. She is a member of the Black Writers Guild and Toastmasters. She loves feedback and can be contacted at kenmoab1@verizon.net.
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